Baker's Cyst, Cyst in Back Knee Area

News Health Articles - Baker's Cyst, Cyst in Back Knee Area.

Description

Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and the tightness in the back of the knee. The pain may become worse when the knee is often driven, or the knee is active.



Baker cyst, also called popliteal cyst, is usually the result of problems with the knee joint, such as arthritis or a torn cartilage. Both conditions can cause the knee to produce too much fluid, which can lead to Baker's cyst.

Baker cysts can cause swelling and cause discomfort. By providing care on the condition that causes cysts usually can relieve the symptoms.

Cause

Cartilage and tendons in the knee depends on the lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. The liquid can help the movement of the foot becomes more smoothly and reduces friction between moving parts of the knee joint.

Synovial fluid circulates throughout your knee and through various networks (exchanges) across the knee. There is a valve system, like the one in between the knee joint and the bursa at the back of the knee (popliteal bursa). The valve regulates the amount of synovial fluid into and out of stock.

But sometimes the knee produces too much synovial fluid, so the buildup of fluid in the bursa can cause Baker's cyst. It can be caused by:

1. Knee arthritis, as occurs in various types of arthritis
2. Knee injury

Symptom

In some cases, a Baker's cyst causes no pain, and may not be realized.
Symptoms that can appear on a Baker cyst, among others:
1. Swelling behind the knee, and sometimes on foot
2. Knee pain
3. Stiffness
4. The emergence of swelling with a texture similar to a balloon filled with water

Treatment

Baker cysts often cause no symptoms and can heal itself. Doctors can also perform the treatment for the condition which is the underlying cause. If the cyst is very large and cause a lot of pain, doctors can use the following treatments:

1. Physical Therapy
Crutches can help reduce pain and swelling. Gentle motion exercises and strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee may also help to reduce symptoms and preserve knee function.

2. Drainage of fluids
The doctor may drain the fluid from the knee joint using a needle. This is called needle aspiration and often performed with ultrasound guidance.

3. Drug
The doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication such as cortisone, into the knee to reduce inflammation. These drugs can relieve pain, but not always prevent recurrence of the cyst.

Sources: MayoClinic