Do I Have Baker’s Cyst (Popliteal Cyast)?

Do you have pain in the area behind your knee?

Do you have a swelling or lump behind the knee?

Do you have a lump behind the knee that is more evident when standing and comparing one knee to the other?

Does your swelling feel like a water-filled balloon?

Have you noticed that straining can cause the lump at the back of your knee to swell in size?

Do you have an accumulation of fluid (swelling) around the knee?

Do you have occasional clicking, locking, or buckling in the knee joint?

Do you have sharp pain, swelling or redness in your calf?

Have you had an injury or trauma to the knee?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have Baker’s cyst. Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that develops behind your knee. It is usually caused by some health problems with your knees joint such as a cartilage tear or arthritis. In both cases, the knee joint becomes swollen and inflamed. It produces too much fluid resulting in Baker's cyst. Baker's cyst can affect people at any age, but it is more common in people over 40. Women also have a higher risk for Baker’s cyst than men. Knee damage due to a sports-related injury can also lead to a Baker cyst. It often occurs in athletes.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have Baker’s cyst. Baker’s cyst, also known as popliteal cyst refers to a painful swelling that is filled with fluid located at the back of your knee. It is usually caused by some underlying disease of your knee, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Baker’s cyst often resolves on its own. Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend gentle exercise that can help relieve symptoms and maintain the normal function of your knee. Painkillers may be used to reduce pain and swelling. Also, it is necessary to treat an underlying condition that causing your cyst.

n Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have Baker’s cyst. Baker’s cyst or popliteal cyst represents a soft lump filled with fluid behind your knee (in the popliteal space). It usually develops due to damage to your knee. A damaged knee joint produces more fluid that accumulates, forming a cyst. Diagnosing Baker’s cyst is based on your medical history, physical examination, ultrasound scan, CT scan and MRI scan. Becker's cyst can disappear without treatment, but a large and painful cyst is usually treated with medication, fluid drainage, and physical therapy. In severe cases your doctor may recommend surgery.