Baker’s Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

By Yaamini Radhakrishnan on January 24, 2021

What is Baker’s Cyst?

Baker’s cyst refers to a lump or sac filled with fluid that appears behind the knee. This lump causes the area behind the knee to bulge and leads to a feeling of tightness. Baker’s cyst causes pain when you try to bend or flex the knee. Baker’s cyst is usually associated with cartilage tear or arthritis.

Symptoms of Baker’s Cyst

In order to treat Baker’s Cyst, it is imperative to understand the symptoms associated with Baker’s Cyst. Some of the main symptoms of Baker’s Cyst include:

Stiffness or tightness behind the knee
Severe pain in the knee
Inflammation of swelling behind the knee
Burning sensation in the knee
Difficulty in stretching or flexing the knee

Causes of Baker’s Cyst

Once you observe the symptoms of Baker’s Cyst, it is important to investigate the causes behind it. Understanding the causes also majorly helps in finding the treatment options. Some of the main causes of Baker’s Cyst are

Injury- Any injury cause directly to the knee can result in inflammation behind the knee and cause Baker’s Cyst.
Arthritis- Arthritis is the main reason for Baker’s Cyst. Those suffering from knee arthritis are more prone to Baker’s Cyst.

Treatment for Baker’s Cyst

Treatment for Baker’s Cyst include both surgical and non-surgical options. Based on the severity the doctor decides to use surgical or non-surgical methods.

Non-Surgical Methods

For decades now, doctors have relied on the RICE method for Baker’s Cyst. The RICE method involves Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. The RICE method is an easy method that can be performed at home.

Rest your leg whenever possible
Apply ice packs to the swollen joint area of the knee

Cold Compress
Use compression wraps on the affected area
Keep the legs elevated while resting

Other non-surgical treatment for Baker’s Cyst include

Taking the help of crutch while walking
Taking anti-inflammatory medications
Taking steroid injections for pain
Avoiding strenuous activities that involve the legs
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Undergoing physical therapy.

Surgical Methods

Surgery is generally opted in severe cases and to fix the source of knee damage. Some of the surgical treatment for Baker’s Cyst include

Fluid Draining: – Using a needle, the fluid from the cyst is drained out to reduce inflammation and pain.
Knee Osteotomy:- Is osteotomy, the doctor cuts a part of the bone to correct and repair the damage caused in the knee. It is generally performed on those suffering from arthritis.

Baker’s cyst does not cause any long term damage. In mild cases, the symptoms disappear within a few weeks without treatment. Severe cases of Baker’s Cyst may need medications, or surgery. Following a few simple remedies at home and making a few lifestyle changes will help in better management of Baker’s Cyst.

Yaamini Radhakrishnan:I am a clinic research professional, graduate in biotechnology and post graduate in biochemistry. Have also pursued freelance writing since the past 5 years I am married and have a daughter. I am a native and reside at Bangalore.