Baker’s Cyst

Baker’s cysts can pose a significant hindrance in your everyday life. These fluid-filled bulges also referred to as popliteal cysts or posterior herniation of the knee, can be acutely painful, especially after you have participated in the high-impact exercise. Such pain can prevent you from engaging in the everyday activities that you love. Thankfully, with a proper diagnosis of the cause, treatment can be implemented for the medical problems underlying your condition and relieve your discomfort.

Symptoms:
While you should consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis, several clearly detectable symptoms can indicate its presence. For example, the fluid-filled sacs oftentimes cause inhibited or painful extension and mostly flexion of the knee. Many people who suffer from them also experience stiffness at the back of the joint. In many cases, the cyst is visible, and its contained fluid can be detected when targeted with direct light.

Common Causes:
A baker’s cyst typically forms as a result of some knee-related injury. For instance, knee arthritis can cause the body to create excessive amounts of fluid around the joint, leading to the formation of a synovial sac. Tears or irritation in the tendons connecting to the joint can also result in the formation.

Treatments:
In many cases, this condition will relieve itself over time. However, if it is especially painful, your physician may suggest one of the following treatments.

Most doctors will recommend that you attend to the underlying cause. For example, if it is formed as a result of arthritis, your physician will first choose noninvasive treatments for your arthritis with lifestyle changes designed to help you find relief.

If a positive outcome is not achieved with the above actions, you will still have several options available to you. Many people choose to have the sac aspirated, although the cyst could refill if irritation around the problem area persists. Certain medications and surgical procedures are also useful in alleviating this issue.