Baker’s Cyst is abnormal/excessive collection of the joint fluid in the space behind the knee (the popliteal space). This Cyst usually connects with a narrow passage to the membranes around the knee or within the joint. Most of the time this collection of joint fluid is secondary to a problem within the joint (such as meniscal tear), but sometimes occurs as a result of an independent disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Symptoms:
Swelling, pain and sensation of fullness behind the knee. At times and with large cysts it would be difficult to bend the knee beyond certain degrees.
Diagnosis:
Examination by your doctor and sometime there will be a need for diagnostic studies such as Arthrogram and or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
Treatment:
Small cysts may respond to non-operative management such as anti-inflammatory medication and compression sleeves. However large cysts may need to be aspirated (drained) and be injected with Corticosteroid (cortisone) and finally at times they may need to be removed surgically.
On rare occasions cyst will go away on its own and may not need any treatment.