What is Baker’s Cyst?

A Baker’s cyst is a lump, or swollen area found on the back of the knee joint. It is associated with osteoarthritis, damage to the cartilage or damaged ligaments within the knee, and can become quite painful.

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A Baker’s cyst is a lump, or swollen area found on the back of the knee joint. It is associated with osteoarthritis, damage to the cartilage or damaged ligaments within the knee, and can become quite painful.

A Baker’s cyst is also referred to as a popliteal cyst, it is a fluid-filled swelling that develops at the back of the knee. The cyst which appears as a large lump is benign, and although it can be painful, it is easily treated.

In most cases, Baker’s cysts will heal without treatment and often cause little or no pain. However, if Baker’s cyst itself is painful, it can be drained and then injected which will help prevent the cyst from growing back.

What is Baker’s cyst pain?

As the swelling forms at the back of the knee, it can cause pressure on the soft tissue structure resulting in pain. It can occur when the knee is either straight or fully bent, causing more stress and tension around the joint.

Symptoms also include:

• Stiffness
• Pain
• Reduction of joint movement
• Pain when extending or flexing the knee
• Pain on loading activities such as going up and downstairs
• Joint locking occasionally due to cartilage damage within the knee
• Patients often describe a feeling of pressure and pinching pain at the back of the knee. They usually but not always can feel a lump on the back of the knee.

Occasionally a Baker’s cyst will rupture. It can feel like a sudden release of pressure. Often causing a feeling of fluid running down your leg. If this happens swelling and bruising may appear in the calf area of your lower leg.