Baker’s Cyst
Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled swelling in the knee, usually felt behind the knee, named after the surgeon who first defined it in the 19th century, Dr. William Morrant Baker. A Baker’s cyst is quite common.
A Baker’s cyst is also sometimes referred to as a Popliteal cyst and can often be quite painful. The pain and discomfort may intensify on engaging in physical activity, fully straightening or bending the knee, or both.
Causes of Baker’s Cyst:
A knee joint issue, such as posterior knee effusion from knee arthritis or a cartilage tear, is typically what causes a Baker’s cyst.
Both ailments might result in the knee producing too much fluid. Despite the possibility of swelling and discomfort caused by a Baker’s cyst, comfort can be typically achieved by addressing the underlying issue.
Other causes include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Inflammation
- Anterior cruciate ligament injury
- Knee Structural damage, i.e. Meniscal tear or defect in the Knee Cartilage
- Some professions where a person is stood up for long periods, i.e. Baking (was highly prevalent in bakers in time gone by)
Symptoms
Most of the time, Baker’s cysts are asymptomatic and are often diagnosed during a routine medical checkup or a scan for other conditions.
Some patients may however, may present with pain and additional symptoms.
At times, the pain might only be limited to the area of the knee which has been injured. However with time, any stress on the knee or movement can cause a Baker’s Cyst.
When the intensity of pain and swelling increases, it limits the ability to move and function properly. A few of the major symptoms of a Baker’s cyst are:
- A prominent swelling behind the knee (can even look like a DVT)
- Pain
- Restricted range of motion and knee flexion, and
- Swelling in your leg or knee away from the area of the Baker's cyst
Baker’s cysts can sometimes disappear on their own. However, a rupture of a Baker’s cyst can still occur. Symptoms of a ruptured Baker’s cyst are:
- Acute knee discomfort
- Calf swelling
- Itching and bruising on the inner ankle,
- Feeling like water is dripping down the calf
- A presentation similar to DVT or Thrombophlebitis
- Obstructed arteries (due to compression of the popliteal artery)
- A trapped nerve in the leg
- Compartment syndrome: this happens when pressure accumulates inside constricted muscle areas
- DVT (Due to compression of the popliteal vein)
How Is A Baker’s Cyst Diagnosed?
After speaking with the patient and performing a physical examination of the knee, a doctor can typically determine whether the patient has a Baker’s cyst. A more definitive way of diagnosing a Baker’s Cyst is via Ultrasound Scan.
Nearly all Baker’s cysts can be observed on an ultrasound, however, ultrasound lacks the specificity to distinguish them from myxoid tumors or meniscal cysts. Sometimes an MRI/ CT scan may be required if Ultrasound is not definitive.
An MRI scan can also diagnose Baker’s Cyst. It employs magnetic waves to provide detailed images of the knee. An MRI may provide your doctor with even more details regarding the potential causes of Baker’s cyst.
Baker's Cyst and DVT
Baker’s cysts, which are less harmful, might occasionally be confused for a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and can cause serious complications if not treated and managed accordingly. It is imperative it is diagnosed correctly as starting a blood thinner for a presumed DVT (which looks very similar) can lead to serious complications if the actual diagnosis was a Baker’s cyst.
Treatment of Baker’s Cyst:
- Non-Surgical: Your physician may advise you to begin treating your Baker’s cyst without surgery. Usually, you can carry out these exercises on your own at home to reduce your symptoms.
- Rest: Whenever you can, rest your leg
- Ice: Using ice to treat your knee
- Compression: You can lessen the amount of joint swelling in your knee by wrapping it in compression
- Elevation: As you’re sleeping or lying down, elevate your knee
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is a simple procedure that involves injecting Dextrose into the cyst to help control pain and swelling. This again is often done after aspirating the cyst.
Here at MyMSK Clinic, we are able to treat Baker’s Cysts by aspiration and injecting them under ultrasound guidance
Conclusion
For an assessment of your Baker's Cyst
Contact the MyMSK clinic here or contact us: 0333 772 9655
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