Definition
A Baker cyst is a buildup of joint
fluid behind the knee. It creates a tight bump behind the knee.
Causes
Joint fluid helps the knee move smoothly. A Baker cyst happens when excess fluid is pushed out to the back of the knee.
Sometimes the cause is not known. In adults, it may be due to underlying problems with the knee joint. In children, it may be due to problems with the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) between the bone and soft tissue of the knee.
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem in adults are:
- Past knee injuries or cartilage tears
- Osteoarthritis—wear and tear of cartilage between bones
- Inflammatory diseases, such as
rheumatoid arthritis
and gout
- Previous knee surgery
Things that may raise the risk of this problem in children are:
- Osteochondritis dissecans—death of bone tissue in the knee
- Meniscus tears —a partial or full tear of the cartilage of the knee
- Previous knee surgery
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Rounded swelling behind the knee that may get bigger with activity
- Aching or tenderness after exercise and bending the knee
- Pain or pressure in the back of the knee
- Pain that may travel to the calf
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the knee.
Images of the knee may be taken. This can be done with:
- Ultrasound
- MRI scan
- CT scan
Treatment
The problem may go away on its own without treatment. In others, the underlying cause may need to be treated.
A cyst that is painful or impacting daily life may need to be treated. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and promote healing. Options are:
- Medicines to ease pain and swelling, such as:
- Over the counter pain relievers
- Corticosteroid injection
- Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion
- Draining excess knee fluid with a needle
People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery. It may be done to remove the cyst or repair a damaged knee joint.
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent this health problem.
Definition
A Baker cyst is a buildup of joint
fluid behind the knee. It creates a tight bump behind the knee.
Causes
Joint fluid helps the knee move smoothly. A Baker cyst happens when excess fluid is pushed out to the back of the knee.
Sometimes the cause is not known. In adults, it may be due to underlying problems with the knee joint. In children, it may be due to problems with the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) between the bone and soft tissue of the knee.
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem in adults are:
- Past knee injuries or cartilage tears
- Osteoarthritis—wear and tear of cartilage between bones
- Inflammatory diseases, such as
rheumatoid arthritis
and gout
- Previous knee surgery
Things that may raise the risk of this problem in children are:
- Osteochondritis dissecans—death of bone tissue in the knee
- Meniscus tears —a partial or full tear of the cartilage of the knee
- Previous knee surgery
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Rounded swelling behind the knee that may get bigger with activity
- Aching or tenderness after exercise and bending the knee
- Pain or pressure in the back of the knee
- Pain that may travel to the calf
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the knee.
Images of the knee may be taken. This can be done with:
- Ultrasound
- MRI scan
- CT scan
Treatment
The problem may go away on its own without treatment. In others, the underlying cause may need to be treated.
A cyst that is painful or impacting daily life may need to be treated. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and promote healing. Options are:
- Medicines to ease pain and swelling, such as:
- Over the counter pain relievers
- Corticosteroid injection
- Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion
- Draining excess knee fluid with a needle
People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery. It may be done to remove the cyst or repair a damaged knee joint.
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent this health problem.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
a
(Popliteal Cyst)
References
Frush TJ, Noyes FR. Baker's Cyst: Diagnostic and Surgical Considerations. Sports Health. 2015 Jul;7(4):359-365.
Popliteal cyst.
EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/popliteal-cyst. Accessed January 29, 2021.
