Baker's Cyst
Current as of: March 2, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kenneth J. Koval MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma
Baker's CystA Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a pocket of joint fluid that forms a lump behind the knee. Often a Baker's cyst is painless, but occasionally this pocket of fluid can tear open and drain into the tissues of the lower leg, causing pain and swelling. Symptoms include:
When swelling and pain increase, the best approach is to avoid activities such as squatting or kneeling. Wrapping the knee may help reduce swelling. Occasionally, fluid may be drained from the knee, and the person may be given a steroid injection. In cases of restricted mobility or persistent pain, surgery to remove the cyst may be recommended. Current as of: March 2, 2020 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kenneth J. Koval MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma |
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