What is a Baker’s Cyst (also known as a popliteal cyst)?
A Baker’s cyst is a swelling at the back of the knee secondary to excessive fluid in the knee joint. It is sometimes associated with pain and a restriction in your ability to bend your knee. A Baker’s cyst is always secondary to an issue in the knee joint itself, such as osteoarthritis and/or meniscal (cartilage) tears. A Baker’s cyst can sometimes burst, known as a ruptured Baker’s cyst. This rupture results in fluid leaking into the calf muscle and can cause a more sudden, acute pain. The calf can sometimes become swollen, red and tender. If these symptoms occur it is important you attend A & E to ensure you have not developed a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
To diagnose a Baker’s cyst, you require a diagnostic ultrasound scan. As for any lump or swelling in the body, a thorough examination should be carried out by an appropriately trained clinician. At Complete we carry out a diagnostic ultrasound scan at no extra charge at your first appointment. If the cyst is not causing you any problems then we advise that you leave it alone. However, if it is painful, restricting your movement and/or effecting your function then we can aspirate (drain) the cyst using ultrasound guidance. To reduce the chance of the cyst returning we may also suggest injecting a small amount of steroid into the knee joint.
What are the symptoms of a Baker’s Cyst?
- The main symptom is a palpable swelling at the back of the knee
- This may be associated with pain at the back of the knee
- A restriction when bending the knee, for example during kneeling and squatting
If this sounds like your problem, read on below…
Other conditions that are associated with a Baker’s Cyst are:
Baker’s Cyst vs prepatella bursitis
A Baker’s cyst is a swelling at the back of the knee secondary to fluid in the knee joint itself. This fluid is known as an intra-articular (inside the knee joint) swelling, whereas prepatella bursitis is swelling on the front of the knee, outside the knee joint itself, known as extra-articular swelling. A prepatella bursitis, also known as ‘housemaid’s knee’, is often a very large swelling at the front of the knee and is common in those who kneel for a significant period of time as part of their job such as a carpenter or floor layer.
What is a 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.
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 with steroids which will help prevent the cyst from growing back.
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.
How do you know if you have a Baker’s cyst?
If you experience the symptoms above, you must seek medical guidance from a physiotherapist or a doctor. There are other possible causes of pain and swelling in this area which may require medical attention.
For example, your clinician, when they examine you, will want to rule out possible other diagnoses. These can include deep vein thrombosis or any nerve or blood vessel disorders at the back of the knee.
How long does it take a Baker’s cyst to heal?
Unfortunately, a Baker’s cyst can go on for a very prolonged period, particularly when it is associated with osteoarthritis or ligament damage within the knee. However, occasionally they will rupture after a few weeks. We would advise you to seek treatment if you suffer a new or worsening of chronic knee pain within 4-6 weeks.
How do you treat a Baker’s cyst?
Treatment is not always required. We would only recommend treatment if they are painful or significantly reducing a person’s function.
At Complete Physio, we can perform a full assessment of the knee. It will also include an ultrasound scan. It is significant for the diagnosis and differentiation between a Baker’s Cyst and other possible causes of pain and swelling. Once we have a conclusive diagnosis of a Baker’s cyst, if the cyst itself is painful, this can be aspirated (the fluid drained from the cyst). Then we would inject with a mix of steroid and local anesthetic to settle the area of the cyst and to reduce the pain and inflammation in the knee.
If you would like any further information or would like to book for a review of a possible Baker’s cyst, please contact us on 0207-482-3875 or email to injections@complete-physio.co.uk.
Related conditions, blogs and patient’s stories from our specialists
Our highly experienced team of expert clinicians have written a selection of blogs on various treatment methods for knee pain, some stories from patients that came to us seeking relief from their knee pain, as well as explanations of other knee conditions that might be causing your pain. Please take a look at any of the following links and get in touch with us if you think you are suffering from any of these conditions and may require treatment.
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