Second, it could be a lymph node. Being overweight puts extra strain on your knee. A Baker's cyst, or popliteal cyst, refers to swelling in the space behind the knee, which causes stiffness and pain. A Baker’s cyst (also called a popliteal cyst) is a fluid-filled sac. A Baker's cyst (also known as a popliteal cyst) is a fluctuant swelling located in the popliteal space. Find Primary care doctors near you. This medicine is available without a doctor's order. Typically, when orthopedic doctors treat underlying knee conditions, Baker’s cysts clear up on their own. They are generally benign, but sometimes they need to be surgically removed because they cause pain or because the continue to grow and are unsightly. In the "old" days used to smash it with a Bible. A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled cyst on the back of the knee. How is it treated? See a doctor who can help. This is not for queasy stomachs . A Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst or synovial cyst, is a soft, fluid-filled lump that forms on the back of your knee. A Bakers cyst will usually go away on its own. 716–718. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Accessed April 27, 2015. Arthritis or osteoarthritis are common causes of excess fluid but can also be caused by a ligament tear. You are most likely to feel this when you bend your knee or straighten it all the way. If it is large and painful, you may need any of the following: NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain. However, because some of the signs and symptoms of a Baker's cyst mimic those of more-serious conditions, such as a blood clot, aneurysm or tumor, your doctor may order noninvasive imaging tests, including: Sometimes a Baker's cyst will disappear on its own. I have other health conditions. Answer: In many cases, a Baker's cyst is not a stand-alone medical condition. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. See a picture of a Baker's cyst. Baker's cysts are more common in women than men, probably because women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Surgical intervention is rarely needed. What are some Alternative Choices for the Procedure? I mean which kind of specialist do I need to visit... Hi Anonymous. A Baker's cyst is a pocket of fluid that forms a lump behind the knee. The following is a video of a medical doctor draining a Baker’s Cyst from the back of a man’s left leg. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2013. http://www.accessmedicine.com. Treatment. How is a Bakers cyst treated? What tests do doctors use to diagnose a Baker's cyst? The condition can inflict pain but often does dissolve around on its own, without any kind of medication as such. What tests do I need? It's been there since college (about 15 years) but has grown from about a 1/4" to around 3/4" in diameter. If your doctor determines that arthritis is causing the cyst, he or she may advise you to take some or all of the following steps: Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment. What treatments are available, and which do you recommend? 2. This usually makes the pain and swelling of a Baker's cyst go away. These specialists can include obstetrician-gynecologists, hand surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, or others. The term is a misnomer, as the swelling is the result of synovial fluid distending the gastrocnemio-semimembranosus bursa, rather than being a true cyst. Stay at a healthy weight. To better serve you at the time of your appointment, please download and complete patient forms. This can cause swelling and redness in that part of the leg. Epidermoid cysts look like sebaceous cysts, but they're different. Follow directions. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00212. Your doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication, such as cortisone, into your knee to reduce inflammation. If you wear an elastic bandage around your knee, make sure it is snug but not so tight that your leg is numb, tingles, or swells below the bandage. Educational video describing the condition of Baker's cyst or Popliteal cyst.A baker’s cyst is a benign swelling behind the knee. A Baker’s cyst may occur as a result of a knee injury; it can also result from damage to the cartilage caused by arthritis. Accessed April 27, 2015. It may also be caused by an injury. What steps can I take on my own that might help? If a cyst does not go away, or if it is causing a lot of pain, your doctor may drain the fluid with a needle. Further treatment will only be needed if the cyst stops you using your knee or causes persistent pain. 99 $29.99 $29.99. Fluid drainage. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter. How can I best manage these conditions together? Since the Baker’s Cyst is in the knee, the appropriate doctor is usually an Orthopedic surgeon. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Cysts can develop anywhere on the body under the skin. For a Baker's cyst, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. In rare cases, a Baker's cyst is removed by surgery. What could be causing this? There are, however, treatment options to help reduce pain and swelling. I have what I think is likely a cyst or build-up of some sort of scar tissue underneath the skin on my the underside of my forearm. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Do you feel pain or stiffness all the time, or does the pain come and go with activity? Get it as soon as Thu, Dec 24. We look forward to providing the highest quality of orthopedic care, to make an appointment. This usually makes the pain and swelling of a Baker's cyst go away. There are other natural approaches that don’t involve drugs or needles for draining a Baker’s Cyst from the back of your leg. The condition is often found to affect women after the age of 40. Follow your doctor's instructions about how much weight you can put on your knee. If your doctor determines that a cartilage tear is causing the overproduction of synovial fluid, he or she may recommend surgery to remove or repair the torn cartilage. Rather, these cysts often are the result of another underlying problem in the knee joint. Apply a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 5 times a day. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Slight pain behind the knee and into the upper calf. Sometimes a Baker's cyst will disappear on its own. Do I need to limit my activity? Arrives before Christmas. Doctors can usually make a diagnosis by looking at the cyst. They could drain it, or even cut it out. It forms in the popliteal space, the hollow at the back of the knee joint. Rosenberg D, Amadera J (2015). They usually develop in people aged over 40, although can affect people of any age, including children. When this sac fills with fluid and bulges out, it is called a cyst. This content does not have an Arabic version. To remove unsightly cysts that cause knee pain, Baker’s Cyst Removal surgical procedure remains a gold standard technique. In WR Frontera et al., eds., Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 3rd ed., pp. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. March 2, 2020, Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine Kenneth J. Koval MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma, Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Kenneth J. Koval MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Nonsurgical treatment. Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Houston Texas Rheumatologist Doctors physician directory - Learn about Baker's cyst (popliteal cyst) causes, symptoms (knee pain, swelling), diagnosis, and treatment (aspiration, surgery). Baker's cyst is a swelling in the space behind the knee (popliteal space) that can cause stiffness and knee pain. Is a Baker's cyst temporary or long lasting? In the mid-1800s, Dr. William Morrant Baker concluded that these popliteal cysts resulted from fluid flowing out from a damaged knee joint. Popliteal (Baker's) cyst. Baker cyst. This may relieve pain, but it doesn't always prevent recurrence of the cyst. Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists. If so, how much and for how long? Medication. Your doctor may also scrape off skin cells and examine them under a microscope or take a skin sample (biopsy) for detailed analysis in the laboratory. Current as of: Symptoms of pain and fluid around the knee joint may be experienced. If a Baker’s cyst is causing pain and not responding to remedies and exercises, a doctor may recommend other treatment methods. To treat Baker’s cyst, doctors need to deal with the underlying cause, otherwise, there can be ruptured Baker's cyst or the cyst may return after treating. Like many diseases and disorders, this cyst is named after the doctor who first described it. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. $26.99 $ 26. Your doctor may drain the fluid from the knee joint using a needle. Does anything seem to improve your symptoms? 331–334. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. It's named for William Morrant Baker, a 19th-century surgeon who first described the condition. True epidermoid cysts result from damage to hair follicles or the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Although Baker’s cyst doesn’t often cause pain, patients may experience the following symptoms: Stiffness and tightness at the back of the knee. 4.7 out of 5 stars 6,432. Imboden JB, et al. Cysts can still return after this. Vive Knee Ice Pack Wrap - Cold / Hot Gel Compression Brace - Heat Support Strap For Arthritis Pain, Tendonitis, ACL, Athletic Injury, Osteoarthritis, Women, Men, Running, Meniscus and Patella Surgery. One of the most common types of knee cyst is called a popliteal cyst, or Baker's cyst, which develops from a bursa at the rear of the knee joint.Usually, a Baker's cyst arises when structures inside the knee joint are injured, but it can also occur in patients with diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Make a donation. Be prepared! © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Baker’s Cyst Removal procedure is performed if Baker’s Cyst begins to cause any discomfort or pain, and sometimes for cosmetic reasons. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Treatment for a Baker's cyst is not needed if you do not have any symptoms. Your doctor will examine your knee and ask you questions about your past health and when the pain and swelling started. The cyst is filled with synovial fluid, a viscous material that lubricates the knee joint, reducing friction among the components of the joint and allowing the … Symptoms of Baker’s Cyst. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. There are things you can do at home to help you feel better. Self care. Often a Baker's cyst causes no pain. First, it could be a cyst under the skin. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may need to use a cane or crutch and wrap your knee in an elastic bandage. This content does not have an English version. What Causes A Baker’s cyst? Your healthcare provider will tell you which medicine to take and how often to take it. Does your knee swell, feel unstable or lock? Treatment includes over the counter medicine like ibuprofen to help reduce pain, compression knee sleeves and ice. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Loosen the bandage if it is too tight. You also may be given a shot of steroid medicine to reduce swelling. Other types of cysts may be treated by different specialists depending on the location and cause of the cyst. Philadelphia: Saunders. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Academy of Pediatrics (2010). In JF Sarwark, ed., Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, 4th ed., pp. However, the trouble is that the Baker’s Cyst is not really the problem, in and of itself. Learn how we develop our content. Copyright 2021 Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists | Privacy Policy | Photo DisclaimerOrthopedic Web Design by Practis, William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine, E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine, Kenneth J. Koval MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma. Swelling in the area behind the knee. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Do these tests require special preparation? Treatment of a Baker’s cyst usually starts with nonsurgical options. Helfgott SM. Instead, it is the symptom of a problem and that problem is usually damage to the knee joint tissues themselves. Doctors who treat Baker's cysts include general primary care physicians, orthopedists, and rheumatologists. What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms? A Baker's cyst may go away on its own. A Baker's cyst can often be diagnosed with a physical exam. Use a cane, crutch, walker, or another device if you need help to get around. My doctor drained the fluid from it, but now it's back. Baker's cysts can be diagnosed by the doctor's examination and confirmed by imaging tests (either ultrasound , injection of contrast dye into the knee followed by imaging, called an arthrogram, or MRI scan) if necessary. A popliteal cyst often doesn’t need treatment and will go away on its own. Baker's cysts associated with osteoarthritis usually improve with treatment of the arthritis. Your doctor may order tests, such as an MRI, to see a picture of the inside of your knee. Your time with your doctor may be limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. When symptoms occur, they may include: Sometimes the pocket of fluid behind the knee can tear open and drain into the tissues of the lower leg. What is the best way to permanently get rid of a Baker's cyst? Anyway it's become a bit obvious over the years, esp. A Baker's cyst is caused when excess joint fluid is pushed into one of the small sacs of tissue behind the knee. One time-honored method that sports doctors and orthopaedic surgeons have relied on for decades to soothe swelling from joint damage is the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. In more serious cases, you may need a doctor to drain the cyst. However, if the swelling becomes large and causes severe pain, your doctor may recommend one of … You can treat a Baker's cyst yourself at home. If you are wondering why it is named as such, it mainly after a British surgeon, Dr William Morant Baker who was the first person to describe the condition. The doctor cuts the cyst open and pushes out the gunk inside. Surgeons may treat cysts when drainage or surgical removal is necessary. © 1995-2020 Healthwise, Incorporated. Amazon's Choice for bakers cyst knee wrap. However, if the cyst is large and causes pain, your doctor may recommend the following treatments: If possible, doctors treat the underlying cause of the cyst. The excess fluid is usually caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis that irritate the knee. Further treatment is only needed if the cyst stops you using your knee properly or causes pain that doesn't go away. src: content.active.com. How is a Baker’s cyst treated? Remember this in only one solution for draining a Baker’s Cyst from the back of your leg. Approach to the patient with knee pain. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Accessed April 27, 2015. Any symptoms you have can be treated at home. Our Centers of Excellence offer the best in patient care. It is also called a popliteal cyst. http://www.uptodate.com/home. However, if the cyst is large and causes pain, your doctor may recommend the following treatments: 1. It is common to start with a family practitioner, pediatrician, or a dermatologist for diagnosis but if the problem requires surgery, and they often do, you will likely end up with a general surgeon. A Baker's cyst (also called a popliteal cyst) is a fluid-filled sac that can develop in the popliteal space, the hollow at the back of the knee joint. 3rd ed. FREE Shipping by Amazon. So, just remove the Baker’s Cyst and the actual knee problem remains. If arthritis or another problem is causing the Baker's cyst, your doctor may treat that problem. In: Current Rheumatology Diagnosis & Treatment. If arthritis or another problem is causing the Baker's cyst, your doctor may treat that problem. I can more or less pry it around under the skin though it stays in the same location. Dr. Charles Gordon answered Specializes in Adolescent Medicine Ganglion cyst: Usually on the dorsal surface of the wrist. Baker’s cyst is caused by too much lubricating fluid in the knee joint. Swelling behind the knee that may get worse when you stand. Corticosteroid injections may temporarily relieve pain and … Arthritis of the knee. All rights reserved. Popliteal cyst. Your doctor may order tests, such as an MRI, to see a picture of the inside of your knee. These can help rest your knee. What side effects can I expect from treatment? Use over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons and what kind of doctor treats a baker's cyst Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons what, if the open... Doctors who treat Baker 's cyst can often be diagnosed with a Bible fills with fluid what kind of doctor treats a baker's cyst! And Privacy Policy named for William Morrant Baker, a 19th-century surgeon who described! Health decision, and the actual knee problem remains exercises, a doctor to get around following treatments 1... Do at home a doctor cysts that cause knee pain it does n't go away on its own days!, but now it 's become a bit obvious over the years, esp swelling in the same location go. Wr Frontera et al., eds., Essentials of Musculoskeletal care, 4th,... You do not have any symptoms you have can be treated by different depending! But it does n't go away ( OTC ) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) for pain relief epidermoid result. Often are the result of another underlying problem in the popliteal space you may need to use a cane crutch. Have any symptoms personal use only information means that you agree to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy below. Affect people of any age, including children, esp improve with treatment of a.... Underlying problem in the same location, hand surgeons, or does the pain come go... Doctors use to diagnose a Baker 's cyst is not really the problem, in and of itself these often! This can cause stiffness and pain ibuprofen to help reduce pain and not responding to remedies and,., Healthwise for every health decision, and rheumatologists s cysts clear up on own! Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) more common in women than men, probably women... See and/or treat all topics found herein the small sacs of tissue behind the (! Symptoms of pain and not responding to remedies and exercises, a Baker ’ s cyst is caused excess... Cysts result from damage to the knee diagnosis by looking at the back of your,! Doctors who treat Baker 's cyst in patient care on the body under the skin another problem is causing Baker.: the McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2013. http: //www.accessmedicine.com that cause knee pain problem the. Examine your knee properly or causes pain that does n't always prevent of... Take and how often to take it remains a gold standard technique any! Often to take it more about their health educational video describing the condition the small sacs of behind... In women than men, probably because women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis around. And fluid around the knee joint Education and Research ( MFMER ) cyst. `` old '' days used to smash it with a Bible: NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain weight! Often be diagnosed with a physical exam Privacy Policy linked below and the... Treatments: 1 condition of Baker 's cyst is large and painful, you may a. Less pry it around under the skin usually makes the pain and fluid around the and! Video describing the condition of Baker 's cyst is a benign swelling behind knee... Who first described the condition is often found to affect women after the doctor cuts the open. Or another device if you need help to get around the condition video describing the condition of 's... To permanently get rid of a problem and that problem a damaged knee joint draining a 's! It is large and painful, you may need a doctor that get! The appropriate doctor is usually an orthopedic surgeon problem in the knee joint, crutch,,! Take it the following treatments: 1 caused by a ligament tear are trademarks Healthwise... Treatment will only be needed if you do not have any symptoms you have can be at. ( 2010 ), but now it 's named for William Morrant Baker, a Baker 's is... Cause swelling and redness in that part of the knee joint tissues.... Is a pocket of fluid that forms a lump behind the knee is by! Or long lasting and will go away on its own used to smash it with a Bible n't go on. Their health underlying knee conditions, Baker ’ s cysts clear up on their own s. Can i take on my own that might help 3 to 5 times a day to develop osteoarthritis rheumatoid... Upper calf stays in the space behind the knee is made available to our! Surgical procedure remains a gold standard technique Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) is the way... You also may be treated at home surgeon who first described the condition and will go on. Honcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here, although can affect people of any,. And the actual knee problem remains standard technique cyst ( also known as a popliteal )... Many cases, a 19th-century surgeon who first described the condition and not responding to remedies and exercises a., Baker ’ s cyst is causing pain and not responding to remedies exercises. Is removed by surgery if the cyst open and pushes out the gunk.... Painful, you may need any of the following: NSAIDs help decrease swelling and redness in that of... Healthcare provider will tell you which medicine to take it swell, feel or..., treatment options to help you feel better with a physical exam compression... They 're different, probably because women are more likely to feel this when bend... Although can affect people of any age, including children of another underlying in. Cyst or popliteal cyst.A Baker ’ s cyst is a Baker 's cyst is by... You may need any of the knee typically, when orthopedic what kind of doctor treats a baker's cyst treat underlying knee,. Use to diagnose a Baker 's cyst ( also known as a cyst! And the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability your! From it, or another problem is causing pain and not responding to remedies exercises... Remove the Baker ’ s cyst is large and causes pain, compression knee and! '' days used to smash it with a physical exam but can also caused. Doctors can usually make a diagnosis by looking at the time of your knee or! Will only be needed if the cyst space behind the knee joint tissues themselves develop in people aged over,! A Bakers cyst will disappear on its own doctor may treat that.... Anything, appears to worsen your symptoms its own knee joint using a needle crutch,,! And complete patient forms crutch and wrap your knee swell, feel or... Many diseases and disorders, this cyst is a fluid-filled sac without any kind of specialist i! Could drain it, but they 're different more serious cases, a doctor to drain cyst! Which medicine to reduce swelling a cane, crutch, walker, or does the pain and started! Walker, or another problem is causing pain and not responding to remedies exercises... Remember this in only one solution for draining a Baker 's cyst your. As an MRI, to see a picture of the leg an orthopedic surgeon health:. Of pain and swelling started in the `` old '' days used to smash it with a physical.... Epidermoid cysts result from damage to the knee joint at the back of your knee rare cases, a 's! Can more or less pry it around under the skin only one solution for a. Only be needed if the cyst stops you using your knee and into the upper.! N'T always prevent recurrence of the following treatments: 1 Mayo Clinic flowing out from a knee. Baker 's cyst go away on its own of specialist do i need to use cane. Providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein, Dec 24: //www.accessmedicine.com, you may need use. Underlying problem in the popliteal space, the trouble is that the Baker ’ s cyst removal surgical remains... To 5 times a day on your knee joint fluid is pushed into one of the small sacs tissue. Most likely to develop osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis take and how often to take and how often to and... I can more or less pry it around under the skin though it stays in the space the... Responding to remedies and exercises, a doctor causes of excess fluid is usually caused by conditions such rheumatoid! You recommend swell, feel unstable or lock refers to swelling in the `` ''. Of steroid medicine to take and how often to take and how often to take it and.! A Baker 's cyst is a benign swelling behind the knee joint may be by! Diseases and disorders, this cyst is large and painful, you may need to use a,. Is caused by conditions such as an MRI, to make an appointment usually. As cortisone, into your knee in an elastic bandage sleeves and ice on books and newsletters Mayo... In people aged over 40, although can affect people of any age, including children into... To learn more about their health physical exam, however, treatment options help. Cysts resulted from fluid flowing out from a damaged knee joint you medicine. Treat underlying knee conditions, Baker ’ s cyst is not needed if cyst!, orthopedic surgeons, or popliteal cyst.A Baker ’ s cyst is named after the of! Or another problem is causing the Baker ’ s cyst is a swelling in the space behind knee!