Is Your Back Of Knee Pain A Baker's Cyst?

A Baker's cyst is characterised by a swelling behind the knee which is caused by a build-up of fluid from the knee joint.

It is also known as a popliteal cyst and is the kind of bursitis where the synovial sac behind the knee becomes overfilled with fluid causing severe pain in the area.

The reason it is commonly known as a Baker's cyst is in memory of the physician who first described the condition, the surgeon William Baker (1839-1896).

There are numerous causes to this kind of swelling behind the knee, but the main ones are as follows:

• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis


• Sports Injury or trauma to the joint


• Repetitive stress injury from standing or cycling


• Age related weakening


• Excess of uric acid (Gout)

The condition is more prevalent in women than men mainly due to the fact that more women suffer with osteo arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and typically when they are over the age of 40, although it can affect people of any age.

Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose a Baker's cyst is to either use ultrasound or have an MRI scan but if you have a fluid filled swelling behind the knee and a lot of pain then this is a good indication that you have developed a bursa or cyst.

Treating a Baker's cyst

You can treat a Baker's cyst yourself at home by taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory preferably an NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

You can also use a pack of ice (or frozen peas) to reduce any swelling and then use a compression bandage to support the knee joint. Resting the knee joint is also important.

If the swelling or pain behind your knee fails to resolve itself you may need to visit your doctor or podiatrist who can either recommend a corticosteroid medication or remove the fluid by draining it.

Ruptured Baker's cyst

In the rare case that you have a ruptured Baker's cyst, then the fluid will leak in to your calf and lower limb causing severe pain which usually resolves itself in one to 4 weeks. During this time you may need prescription painkillers available from your doctor.

Repairing the knee

If your knee is damaged from say osteoarthritis or a sports injury, then your joint may need to be repaired in a surgical procedure called arthroscopy, which is a form of keyhole surgery, used to clean out the joint.

These kinds of painful cysts can be quite debilitating particularly for those whose primary cause his arthritis. However, there are numerous treatments available to you to manage the condition successfully and so if you are suffering with this kind of swelling behind the knee do not despair; seek the help of your doctor or podiatrist and have it diagnosed early enough for the right treatment to be given.