Baker's Cyst

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A Baker's cyst is also called a popliteal cyst. It is an abnormal swelling of a bursa behind the knee. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that is found between tendons and muscles. Bursas decrease friction (rubbing) between tendons, bones, and skin. A Baker's cyst may be caused by arthritis or trauma (injury) of the knee. You may have a bulge in the back of the knee when standing or walking, that disappears when the knee is bent. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or tightness behind the knee. You may have a test to show that the cyst is filled with fluid. Diagnosis may be made using joint x-ray, computerized tomography (CAT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound. Treatment for Baker's cyst will depend on it's size and the symptoms you have. A Baker’s cyst that is small and does not cause problems is treated with bed rest and rehabilitation or "rehab" of the knee. Large or painful cysts may need surgery.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Physical therapy:

You may need to see a physical therapist to teach you special exercises. These exercises help improve movement and decrease pain. Physical therapy can also help improve strength and decrease your risk for loss of function.

Preventing knee injury:

• Warm up and stretch your muscles before playing your sport or doing your activity.
  
  
• Wear appropriate shoes that will support your activity.
  
  
• Cool down after your activity by doing gentle and prolonged stretches.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your pain does not improve with medicine.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your disease, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have bruising on the ankle of the leg with the cyst, or bluish discoloration on the calf below the affected knee.
  
  
• You have swelling or bleeding on the leg with the cyst.
  
  
• You notice any abnormal signs, such as growth of the cyst.
  
  
• Your pain becomes severe or worse.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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