WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a Bakers cyst? A Bakers cyst, or popliteal cyst, is a bulging lump behind your knee. Inside the lump is a sac filled with fluid. The cyst is caused by fluid buildup in your knee joint. This can happen if you have a knee injury, such as a cartilage tear. Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can also cause an abnormal buildup of joint fluid. What are the signs and symptoms of a Bakers cyst? - A lump or swelling in the back of your knee when you stand or walk
- Knee swelling that goes away when you bend your knee
- Knee pain
- Stiffness or tightness in your knee that may get worse with movement
How is a Bakers cyst diagnosed? - Transillumination is a test that can show if the cyst is filled with fluid. Your healthcare provider will shine a light through your cyst.
- X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound pictures may be taken of the bones and tissues in your knee joint. The pictures will show any problems, such as arthritis, a knee injury, or fluid buildup. You may be given contrast liquid to help the pictures show up better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
How is a Bakers cyst treated? A Bakers cyst will usually go away on its own. If it is large and painful, you may need any of the following: - NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain. This medicine is available without a doctor's order. Your healthcare provider will tell you which medicine to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems if they are not taken correctly.
- Steroid medicine may be injected into the cyst to decrease fluid, redness, pain, and swelling.
- Aspiration is a procedure used to drain fluid from the cyst through a needle.
- Arthroscopic surgery is done to remove the cyst completely or repair any torn or damaged cartilage. A scope and small surgical instruments are inserted through a small incision in your knee. A scope is a flexible tube with a light, camera, and magnifying glass on the end.
How can I care for my knee? - Rest as needed. Limit movement as your knee heals. This will help decrease the risk of more damage to your knee. You may need crutches to take weight off your injured knee. Use crutches as directed.
- Ice your knee. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Use an ice pack, or put ice in a plastic bag. Cover the ice pack with a towel and place the ice on your knee for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times each day. Do this for 2 to 3 days.
- Support your knee. Wrap your knee with an elastic bandage. Ask your healthcare provider if you need a brace for more support. This will help decrease swelling and movement so your knee can heal.
- Elevate your knee. Use pillows to raise your knee above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling.
- Go to physical therapy as directed. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
When should I seek immediate care? - You have severe pain.
- You have bruising on the ankle below the cyst.
- Your calf turns blue below the cyst.
- Your calf or knee is swollen or bleeding.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- Your pain does not improve with medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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