A Baker cyst is a fluid-filled growth behind the knee. It causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness. Also called a popliteal (pop-luh-TEE-ul) cyst, a Baker cyst sometime causes pain. The pain can get worse when with activity or when fully straightening or bending the knee.
A Baker cyst is usually the result of a problem with the knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. Both conditions can cause the knee to produce too much fluid. Although a Baker cyst may cause swelling and discomfort, treating the underlying problem that is causing it usually provides relief.
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Symptoms
- Swelling: A noticeable lump behind the knee.
- Pain or discomfort: Especially when extending or flexing the knee.
- Stiffness: Difficulty bending the knee fully.
Causes
- Joint conditions: Commonly associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other knee injuries.
- Increased synovial fluid: When the knee produces excess fluid, it can accumulate and form a cyst.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination: A doctor may identify a cyst during a knee exam.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound or MRI can help confirm the diagnosis and assess underlying issues.
Treatment
- Observation: If there are no significant symptoms, monitoring may be sufficient.
- Physical therapy: Exercises can improve knee function and reduce symptoms.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help alleviate pain.
- Aspiration: Draining the cyst may provide relief.
- Corticosteroid injections: These can reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: In persistent or severe cases, surgical intervention might be necessary.
Prevention
While not always preventable, maintaining knee strength through exercise and addressing knee injuries promptly can help reduce the risk.
If you have specific concerns or symptoms related to a Baker’s cyst, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment options.
HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?
In the early stages of physiotherapy, focus is on restoring full knee joint range of movement and activating the quadriceps as it has such an important role in controlling the knee joint and help movement become pain-free again.
Other potential methods for reducing pain include taping and hands-on treatment which can both be useful where pain is quite limiting and affecting basic day to day activities.
As the knee pain improves, appropriate intermediate and advanced exercises are prescribed to continue to build knee strength with considerations made for single leg balance, hip strength, calf strength and pelvic stability.
There may be other factors such as reduced hip and ankle flexibility which may also need to be addressed to help effectively overcome the knee injury and Baker’s cyst symptoms.
For people who have athletic goals such as sport, gym and running, rehab considerations will be made to help prepare for the needs of those activities which can include impact (jumping and landing) and multi-directional movements.
Contact us or book online today to get your knee pain back under control!
J. Press
Physiotherapist