01/09/2021
📋Baker's Cyst:
also known as a popliteal cyst, is a swelling in the popliteal space, the space behind the knee. It causes stiffness and knee pain,usually the result of a problem with your knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. Both conditions can cause your knee to produce too much fluid, which can lead to a Baker's cyst.
The pain caused by the cyst typically worsens if the patient fully flexes or extends the knee, or moves around.
🗒️The condition, which has nothing to do with baking, is named after the British surgeon who first described it, Dr. William Morrant Baker (1838-1896).
♻️Symptoms
In some cases, a Baker's cyst causes no pain, and you may not notice it. If you do have signs and symptoms, they might include:
➡️Swelling behind your knee, and sometimes in your leg
➡️Knee pain
➡️Stiffness and inability to fully flex the knee
♻️Causes
A lubricating fluid called synovial (sih-NO-vee-ul) fluid helps your leg swing smoothly and reduces friction between the moving parts of your knee.
But sometimes the knee produces too much synovial fluid, resulting in buildup of fluid in an area on the back of your knee (popliteal bursa), causing a Baker's cyst. This can happen because of:
➡️Inflammation of the knee joint, such as occurs with various types of arthritis
➡️A knee injury, such as a cartilage tear
♻️Complications
Rarely, a Baker's cyst bursts and synovial fluid leaks into the calf region, causing:
➡️Sharp pain in your knee
➡️Swelling in the calf
➡️Sometimes, redness of your calf or a feeling of water running down your calf
♻️Home remedies
Some self-care techniques may be effective, such as:
ℹ️Icepacks: This can be useful in reducing inflammation. Make sure there is no direct contact with ice on skin.
ℹ️Resting: The knee needs to rest; it must not be exposed to irritation. A doctor may advise how long the patient should rest, as well as suggesting alternative forms of exercise.
ℹ️Crutches: These take the weight off the knee joint and help the patient walk without pain.
ℹ️Compression bandages: These help support the knee.