Baker's Cyst Causes and Symptoms and Treatment
Have you ever had a feeling of tightness behind your knee and a possible bulge behind the knee that is painful? Then you may have a Baker's cyst. A fluid filled cyst behind the knee can cause these symptoms. The pain in the back of the knee can get worse if you fully extend or bend your knee or even if you are active. The other name for a Baker's cyst is a popliteal cyst which according to the Mayo Clinic, is the result of a problem with your knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. These conditions can cause too much fluid to build up leading to a Baker's cyst. Although a Baker's cyst may cause swelling and make you uncomfortable, treating the probable underlying problem usually provides relief.
Some people may have Baker's cysts but they are not causing pain or limitation in ROM. If you are having issues in the back of teh knee some signs and symptoms that may be related to the cyst are: Swelling behind your knee, and sometimes in your leg. Knee pain Stiffness and inability to fully flex the knee Your symptoms can be worse after being active or standing a long time.
Causes
There is a fluid in the knees that lubricates the knee, called synovial fluid, which allows the bones and cartilage to move smooth when it is the right amount of fluid. Sometimes the knee produces too much synovial fluid and will build up in the back of the knee at the popliteal bursa thus decreasing your ROM and causing pain.
Complications (according to the Mayo Clinic)
Rarely, a Baker's cyst bursts and synovial fluid leaks into the calf region, causing: Sharp pain in your knee Swelling in the calf Sometimes, redness of your calf or a feeling of water running down your calf These signs and symptoms closely resemble those of a blood clot in a vein in your leg. If you have swelling and redness of your calf, you'll need prompt medical evaluation to rule out a more serious cause of your symptoms. Diagnosis of a Baker's Cyst can be made through an x-ray, ultrasound or MRI through you doctor.
Treatment (according to the Mayo Clinic)
Baker's cyst can and sometimes resolve on their own, but if the cyst becomes large and causes pain, your doctor may treat it in several ways.: Medication. Your doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication, such as cortisone, into your knee to reduce inflammation. This may relieve pain, but it doesn't always prevent recurrence of the cyst. Fluid drainage. Your doctor may drain the fluid from the knee joint using a needle. This is called needle aspiration and is often performed under ultrasound guidance. Physical therapy. Icing, a compression wrap and crutches may help reduce pain and swelling. Gentle range-of-motion and strengthening exercises for the muscles around your knee also may help to reduce your symptoms and preserve knee function.
If possible, doctors treat the underlying cause of the cyst. If your doctor determines that a cartilage tear is causing the overproduction of synovial fluid, he or she may recommend surgery to remove or repair the torn cartilage. Baker's cysts associated with osteoarthritis usually improve with treatment of the arthritis. Surgical intervention is rarely needed. Your physical therapist will know the correct exercises to get you back on your feet again quickly.
All information was from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bakers-cyst/symptoms-causes/syc-20369950 Baker's cyst - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee. The pain can get worse when you fully flex or extend your knee or when you're active. www.mayoclinic.org Remember the October is Physical Therapy Month and be sure to look for interesting facts about PT in the next few weeks. Thank your physical therapist this month for getting you back in the groove. Remember we have private rooms and one on one treatment for everyone. We sanitize after each patient and do not let you stay in the waiting room long before or after your session to decrease chance of spreading COVID-19.