Injuries Athletic Therapists Treat- A Monthly Series
Welcome to our monthly series!
Our goal is to share with YOU how Athletic Therapy can help you recover from common injuries you or a loved one may be experiencing. Each month will showcase and discuss a new condition athletic therapists see and treat each day
Enjoy!
Baker Cyst
A baker cyst is an accumulation of synovial fluid into the back of the knee. This swelling causes a bulge directly behind the knee. It is also known as a popliteal cyst because the space located behind the knee is known as the popliteal fossa.
Baker cysts develop from inflammation of the knee joint. It can occur with arthritis (osteo or rheumatoid) or with a knee injury such as a cartilage tear, sprain or repetitive strain injury. When something damages your knee or the tissues around it, fluid builds and then drains to the back of your knee. That build up of fluid forms the sac that becomes the Baker cyst. The cysts are benign growths, meaning they are not tumors nor are they a symptom of cancer.
Signs and symptoms of a baker cyst include pain, swelling and stiffness behind the knee. The pain can get worse with activity or when trying to bend or straighten the knee. Occasionally the swelling may be great enough to prevent the knee from fully bending. It should be noted that in many cases it can be painless causing no discomfort or disability. Very rarely, a baker cyst can burst and the synovial fluid leaks into the calf, causing sharp pain in the knee, swelling or redness into the calf. The fluid over time will be absorbed back into the body and the pain and swelling will go away.
Treatment
Baker cysts usually aren’t serious. You should still see a healthcare provider, such as an athletic therapist to get it diagnosed as Baker cysts can share symptoms with more serious issues like blood clots. A physical exam or tests such as an xray, ultrasound or MRI can diagnose a cyst.
Conservative treatment is typical to treat a Baker cyst. Mild symptoms can often be controlled with NSAIDS (Advil, ibuprofen) and by avoiding activities that trigger them. However, a more aggressive approach may be needed to treat the cause. For example if a cartilage tear is causing synovial fluid to collect in the knee, the surgeon removes or repairs the torn cartilage and at the same time the surgeon also removes fluid from the cyst. A Baker cyst may disappear on its own, however if the cyst is large and causes pain a doctor may drain the fluid from the cyst with a needle guided by ultrasound.
Are you experiencing knee pain, swelling or stiffness? Check out our FREE Knee Guide HERE to get help for your knee pain. Or contact us HERE to see if we can help!