A lump behind the knee may be a Baker cyst
A Baker cyst, also known as cyst in the popliterated hole, is a lump that occurs at the back of the knee due to fluid buildup in the joint, which causes pain and stiffness at the site that worsens with the length movement of the knee and during physical activity.
- Generally.
- A Baker cyst is the result of other knee problems.
- Such as arthritis.
- Meniscus lesions.
- Or cartilage wear and therefore needs no treatment.
- Disappearing when the disease that causes it is controlled.
- Most commonly located between medial gastrocnemia and the semimembrane tendon.
However, although rare, a Baker cyst can rupture and cause severe pain in the knee or calf, and may need to be treated in the hospital with surgery.
A baker’s cyst usually has no obvious symptoms, and is discovered during an examination performed for any other reason, or during knee evaluation, by the orthopedist or physical therapist.
Signs and symptoms that may indicate that there may be a baker’s cyst in your knee include:
When symptoms of knee problems occur, it is recommended to consult an orthopedic surgeon for tests, such as a knee ultrasound or MRI, and diagnose the problem, initiating appropriate treatment, the x-ray will not show the cyst but may be helpful in evaluating osteoarthritis, for example.
Generally, the cyst can be felt when the person is lying face down with the right leg and when the leg is bent at 90 degrees, it is good to check that the cyst has well-defined edges and that it moves up and down each. when the person raises or lowers his or her leg.
When a Baker cyst ruptures, the person experiences acute and sudden pain in the back of the knee, which can radiate to the “leg potato,” which sometimes resembles deep vein thrombosis.
Treatment of Baker’s cyst in the knee is usually not necessary, however, if the patient is in a lot of pain, the doctor may recommend physiotherapy treatment that should include at least 10 visits to relieve symptoms. The use of the ultrasound device may be useful for reabsorption of the liquid content of the cyst.
In addition, cold compresses or steroid injections into the knee can also be used to reduce joint inflammation and relieve pain. Suction of the liquid can also be a good solution to remove the baker’s cyst, but it is recommended only in cases of severe pain. , as a means of relieving symptoms because the chance of the cyst reappearing is great.
When a Baker cyst ruptures, surgery may be needed to suck excess fluid from the knee using an arthroscopy.
Learn more about treating Baker’s cyst.