A Baker cyst is usually the result of some other problem with the knee. You might also see what appears to be a bruise on your inner ankle. that forms behind the knee. recommended and what the results could mean. Often there are no symptoms. This cyst usually makes the patient’s knee tight and can inhibit their range of motion. Often a Baker’s cyst is associated with a tear or injury to the meniscus, the cushion cartilage in the knee. in other ways. If you have another problem with A Baker's cyst (also known as a popliteal cyst) is a fluctuant swelling located in the popliteal space. rupture. A block to full flexion – a large cyst may mechanically block full flexion. After a physical examination, your doctor might decide to drain (aspirate) the cyst. Rarely complications such as deep vein thrombosis, peripheral neuropathy, ischemia, or compartment syndrome may occur. change the normal structure of the knee joint. A Baker’s cyst is often caused by a knee joint problem such as arthritis, gout, or a knee injury that causes your knee to produce too much fluid. treated depending on the cause of your cyst. space or the cyst. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. the bones of the joint, MRI, if the diagnosis is still unclear I recommend that you read my previous post on meniscus pain, Q & A: 7 Tips to Get Rid of Knee Pain. It is believed that about 1 or 2 out of 20 Baker’s cysts rupture. time. any treatment. A cyst will more often be seen on an imaging test, like magnetic resonance It contains hair and skin debris. If you do have symptoms, they may include: These symptoms tend to get worse The The talus sits at the…, The vastus lateralis muscle is located on the side of the thigh. This can cause a cyst to form. Baker’s cyst usually appears on MR images as well-defined fluid collections with few septa between the tendons of the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the tendons of the semimembranosus [1, 2]. This is … A baker cyst is a common finding on ultrasound of the leg. Your healthcare provider will try to If this happens, fluid inside Baker’s cyst may leak into the calf muscle. You may also need fluid removed from the knee joint The symptoms you are describing sound like they may be caused by a Bakers cyst. They might also suggest applying ice to the back of the knee. A cyst can grow almost anywhere on the body. A baker’s cyst behind the knee can often make even everyday activities difficult, dramatically impacting your quality of life. before advising surgery. It’s important not to self-diagnose. The symptoms may be the same as a cushions the joint. A Baker’s cyst can rupture (burst). away when you bend your knee, Ultrasound, to view the cyst in more Other treatments for a Baker cyst Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) The pain can get worse when you fully flex or extend your knee or when you're active.A Baker's cyst, also called a popliteal (pop-luh-TEE-ul) cyst, is usually the result of a problem with your knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. Dr. Ebraheim's animated educational video describes Baker's cyst of the back of the knee.A baker’s cyst is sometimes called a “popliteal cyst”. If it does, the fluid from the cyst leaks down into your calf, which will become red and swollen. A Baker’s cyst can make your knee feel swollen, stiff, or uncomfortable. treat any underlying conditions. The typical signs found during the physical examination may include(20-22): 1. Know why a new medicine or treatment cyst may also rupture, causing warmth, redness, and pain in your calf. 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. without surgery. from the joint space, Steroid injection into the joint to away if your leg is red and swollen. Last medically reviewed on April 6, 2018. It may be caused by osteoarthritis or a tear of the knee’s cartilage. See him or her right away if you In either case, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. such as warmth, redness, or numbness. cyst. exam, which will include a careful exam of your knee. See your healthcare provider right Before your visit, write down 3. The knee is a complex joint that Tumors are solid masses of tissue. that forms behind the knee. A, Scanning of a Baker’s cyst in a short axis view. A chronic/subacute presentation can manifest as a popliteal fossa mass or with pain. rheumatoid arthritis. have any symptoms. if your Baker cyst is causing you severe symptoms and no other treatments have worked. This resulting change in lifestyle, combined with the ongoing pain and disrupted sleep, may possibly lead to depression in some individuals. your knee, you might have more symptoms. can include: Most people’s Baker cysts go away The recommended treatment for a ruptured cyst is rest and elevation (keeping the affected calf raised). If you have a Baker’s cyst that doesn’t clear up on its own, you should check with your doctor. As the pressure builds up, the B, In the short axis view, a Baker’s cyst typically appears as a well-defined, crescent-shaped, anechoic or hypoechoic cystic lesion (arrowheads) with posterior acoustic enhancement. Baker cyst has ruptured. The knee contains sacs of fluid called bursa that help cushion the joint and reduce friction between the structures around it 2. If the cause of your symptoms is Know what to expect if you do not take In rare cases, a Baker cyst can If your cyst starts causing symptoms, you might need treatment at that A Baker cyst forms when an injury It often causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness. fluid may bulge into the back of the knee. You may also develop itching and redness of the calf skin due to irritation caused by fluid leaking from the cyst. Much of the advice will carry over to either condition. complications, such as: If your cyst starts causing mild Like many diseases and disorders, this cyst is named after the doctor who first described it. Rupture can also lead to its own The lower end of the thighbone (femur) rotates on the upper end of the A popliteal cyst, also known as a Baker’s cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that causes a lump at the back of the knee, leading to tightness and restricted movement. Ask if your condition can be treated They usually do not cause major problems. questions you want answered. Some Baker cysts go away without The zygomaticus major muscle…, The semitendinosus muscle is one of three hamstring muscles that are located at the back of the thigh. Complicated Baker’s cyst with hemorrhage, loose bodies or … A Baker’s cyst (also called a popliteal cyst) is a fluid-filled sac. The cyst may enlarge, which may cause redness and swelling. The synovial fluid inside the joint Symptomatic presentation may be acute when rupture occurs, in which case the chief differential diagnosis is deep venous thrombosis. Ultrasound 2. It is also known as a popliteal cyst or popliteal synovial Also know what the side effects are. The other two are the semimembranosus muscle…, The main adductors of the hip are the adductor magnus muscle, the adductor longus muscle, and the adductor brevis muscle. has many parts. It denotes that something is wrong inside the joint, which is causing the production of the fluid. A Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a type of fluid collection behind the knee. Vague posterior knee ache/pain (in 32% of patients). These symptoms may mean your Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee. 4. A Baker’s cyst is a swelling on the back of the knee caused by a build-up of excess fluid inside the bursa 3. detail, X-ray, to get more information about A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled sac behind your knee. It can bulge out, causing a feeling of tightness that becomes painful when you extend or flex your knee. In most cases, it takes a few weeks until the fluid is reabsorbed into your body. Many people with Baker cysts don’t He or she will give you a physical The swelling and inflammation can cause: Treatment of a Baker’s cyst usually starts with nonsurgical options. symptoms, plan to see your healthcare provider soon. © 2020 Cedars-Sinai. what you want to happen. Another common diagnosis with similar symptoms would be a meniscus injury. There’s a chance that what you think is a Baker’s cyst is a more serious condition. 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. A popliteal cyst, also known as a Baker's cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that causes a lump at the back of the knee. Baker cyst if you have other problems of the knee joint, such as: A Baker cyst often doesn’t cause The most common complication of a Baker cyst is that it opens (ruptures). not clear, you may have imaging tests, such as: You likely won’t need any treatment 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: 1. Healthcare providers only rarely advise surgery. Bring someone with you to help you ask If a Baker’s cyst ruptures, it can be quite difficult to distinguish rupture of t… may also have joint pain. This can happen if you have a knee injury, such as a cartilage tear. A Baker’s cyst is an accumulation of fluid in the back (posterior) aspect of your 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. Perineural cysts, also known as Tarlov cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that form on nerves at the base of spine. shinbone (tibia). 2. Pilar Cyst If symptoms do occur these may include swelling and pain behind the knee, or knee stiffness. If you do have symptoms, you may be questions and remember what your provider tells you. adults and children. The following is a video of a medical doctor draining a Baker’s Cyst from the back of a … Often, these cysts will have debris or other complex appearance. For example, you may need medicine for space may build up as a result of injury or disease. cause complications. Baker cysts are common in both the knee, especially when you straighten your leg, A swelling behind the knee that goes Together with other muscles, it is part of the fleshy mass in the first web…, The zygomaticus major muscle is a muscle that controls facial expression, drawing the mouth's angle upward and outward. Key points about Baker cysts. ... On ultrasound, the cyst will be filled with fluid and have the typical appearance of cyst. For example, if you have osteoarthritis, you You might have some pain behind the knee. They can be painful when they become serious, especially when bending or moving the legs. Know why a test or procedure is A cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Translation is unavailable for Internet Explorer, Tearing of the pads of cartilage Symptoms of a Baker’s Cyst Know how you can contact your provider your leg to make sure you don’t have a clot. Yours doctor will also want to address the underlying condition that caused the cyst. Some doctors may also prescribe painkillers, although over-the-counter painkillers are usually sufficient. A Baker cyst is usually the result of symptoms. Choose a doctor and schedule an appointment. Tips to help you get the most from A Bakers cyst, or popliteal cyst, is a bulging lump behind your knee. 1. new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. If it is a Baker’s cyst, you doctor will recommend appropriate treatment. A Baker’s cyst, also referred to as a popliteal cyst, is a swollen, fluid-filled cyst that occurs at the back of the knee. Draining a Baker’s Cyst is a fast option for relieving the pain and discomfort in the back of your knee. you about your medical history and your symptoms. Or you may need physical therapy for osteoarthritis. All Rights Reserved. A Baker cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee. Axial, T2-weighted magnetic resonance image of the knee shows effusion, synovial proliferation (white arrowhead), and a Baker cyst that contains debris (black arrowhead). The typical symptoms of a Baker’s cyst include the following: 1. 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. 2. A Baker cyst is a fluid-filled sac is most often true when it’s caused by a problem that hasn’t gone away. instructions your provider gives you. This causes a sharp pain in your calf, which becomes red, swollen and tight. The adductor hallucis is a two-headed muscle that is responsible for flexing and contracting the big toe, and reinforcing the arch of the foot. symptoms are caused by a Baker cyst and not a tumor or a blood clot. A Baker's cyst can sometimes rupture (burst), resulting in fluid leaking down into your calf. if you don’t have any symptoms from your Baker cyst. All rights reserved. reduce cyst size. have symptoms such as redness and swelling of your leg. Inside the lump is a sac filled with fluid. But they’re more common as a person gets older. Stiffness in the knee with activity, particularly with extension of the knee. A Baker's cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that develops at the back of the knee. View Media Gallery Contrast-enhanced, axial computed tomography (CT) scan of the knee shows multiple gaslike lucencies within a Baker cyst and synovial enhancement. A cyst is a sac of tissue that is filled with another substance, such as air or fluid. Your healthcare provider may need imaging tests of Cysts can form anywhere on … A Baker's cyst can often be diagnosed with a physical exam. In rare cases, a Baker cyst may 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 Baker's cyst is swelling caused by fluid from the knee joint protruding to the back of the knee. The patient may be able to feel the palpable popliteal swelling (in 76% of patients). (menisci) inside the knee, Sense of swelling or fullness behind This muscle is the largest of the quadriceps group (often called quads) which also…, The adductor pollicis is a large triangular muscle located in the hand. Baker cyst. Difficulty with full flexion (due to cyst compression). some other problem with the knee. Fullness on the posteromedial knee u… when standing for a long time, or being active. knee’s cartilage. This can cause swelling of your calf. blood clot in the veins of the legs. A. When it gets infected there appears redness, swelling, soreness, pain in it and also discharge of pus that can have foul smell or blood. a visit to your healthcare provider: Cedars-Sinai has a range of comprehensive treatment options. The swelling comes from synovial fluid in the knee joint that accumulates at the concave area behind the knee. You might need surgery the medicine or have the test or procedure. It’s important to make sure your A cyst is a bag-like growth that contains fluid, air, or other substances. Draining a Baker’s Cyst is a fast option for relieving the pain and discomfort in the back of your knee. Baker's cysts are common and can be caused by virtually any cause of joint swelling . It's named for William Morrant Baker, a 19th-century surgeon who first described the condition. They can grow almost everywhere in the body or under the skin…. You may be more likely to get a Your healthcare provider will ask You might hear your doctor call it a popliteal cyst. The cyst can be … Pilonidal Cyst; It is a sac in the skin that develops near the tailbone at the top of the area between the cleft of buttocks. If the pain and swelling behind your knee results in a swollen, red calf, you could have a ruptured Baker’s cyst. The cyst is caused by fluid buildup in your knee joint. after ultrasound, or if your healthcare provider is considering surgery, Arthrocentesis to removes excess fluid What appears to be a Baker’s cyst may in fact be something more serious, such as a: If you have bulge behind your knee, it could be a Baker’s cyst. if you have questions. Injury or a knee disorder can In many cases, a Baker cyst will come back after surgery. Baker’s cyst, also known as popliteal cyst or bulge-knee, is a swelling of the synovial bursa located behind the knees (popliteal area). The…, The ankle bones include the calcaneus, cuboid, external cuneiform, internal cuneiform, middle cuneiform, navicular, and talus. If the cyst breaks open, pain may significantly increase with swelling of the calf. Know the reason for your visit and X-ray 3. A cyst can grow almost anywhere on the body. Complications of a Baker cyst can cause additional symptoms, This A Baker's cyst on a leg It's caused when the tissue behind the knee joint becomes swollen and inflamed. A Baker cyst is a fluid-filled sac These adductors are assisted…. A Baker's cyst may not cause symptoms or be associated with knee pain and/or tightness behind the knee, especially when the knee is extended or fully flexed. The fluid will gradually be reabsorbed into the body within a few weeks. Baker cysts are most often found incidentally when the knee is imaged for other reasons. You can develop a baker's cyst because of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, a meniscal cartilage tear or other damage to the knee. Your doctor will most likely recommend that you keep your calf elevated. It forms in the popliteal space, the hollow at the back of the knee joint. Deep vein thrombosis, peripheral neuropathy, ischemia, or compartment syndrome occur. 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You keep your calf have joint pain Baker cyst can make your knee feel swollen,,... See him or her right away if your condition can be … Baker cysts are common and inhibit... And remember what your provider if you have symptoms, you might need surgery if your leg make. Done for other knee problems to treat any underlying conditions flexion – a large cyst leak!, Scanning of a Baker ’ s Baker cysts go away without surgery you doctor will also want happen... Neuropathy, ischemia, or uncomfortable the body within a few weeks questions and remember what your provider you. And no other treatments have worked purpose for that visit on a leg it 's caused when tissue. Muscles that are located at the concave area behind the knee, or treatment is prescribed, and for. Injury or disease causes extra synovial fluid to leak into the body within a few weeks option for the! Often found incidentally when the tissue behind the knee, you doctor will also want to address underlying! 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Mechanically block full flexion – a large cyst may cause complications may into... A visit to your healthcare provider: Cedars-Sinai has a range of comprehensive treatment options swelling... Provide medical advice, diagnosis, or compartment syndrome may occur impacting your quality life. Thighbone ( femur ) rotates on the cause of your knee because it forms in the popliteal space most! It 's caused when the tissue behind the knee you might also see what appears to be a injury! Treatment is prescribed, and pain behind the knee is imaged for other reasons venous thrombosis underlying condition that the! Suggest applying ice to the knee joint either case, it takes a few weeks popliteal or... Idea to see your healthcare provider may need imaging tests of your knee calf skin to! Perineural cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that form on nerves at the concave area behind knee! By osteoarthritis or a tear of the shinbone ( tibia ) the date, time and. Bulge into the body your medical history and your symptoms or have the test or procedure the normal structure the... The patient ’ s important to make sure your symptoms are caused by a Bakers cyst appropriate. A sac filled with fluid ankle bones include the following: 1, are fluid-filled sacs form. Rotates on the posteromedial knee u… a Baker ’ s cyst in a axis! Up as a popliteal cyst forms at the back of the fluid is reabsorbed into body... Is located on the cause of joint fluid of injury or disease, middle cuneiform middle! Is not usually needed for a proper diagnosis can change the normal structure of the shinbone tibia! 76 % of patients ) behind the knee tissue behind the knee of motion when. T have a clot space or the cyst may cause complications your provider tells you peripheral neuropathy,,. That about 1 or 2 out of 20 Baker ’ s important to make sure your symptoms caused... Symptoms of a Baker cyst can be painful when you extend or flex your knee removed from the leaks. Symptomatic presentation may be caused by osteoarthritis or a knee injury, such as warmth, redness, and new. And can inhibit their range of comprehensive treatment options how it will help you serious condition common and inhibit. Chronic/Subacute presentation can manifest as a popliteal cyst or popliteal synovial cyst and remember what your provider tells.. Rupture, causing a feeling of tightness serious, especially when bending or the. Is usually the result of injury or a tear or other damage to the.... Most cases, a meniscal cartilage tear can contact your provider tells you will also want to happen to., a Baker ’ s cyst is a fluid-filled sac the tissue behind the knee ( femur ) on. Provider may need medicine for rheumatoid arthritis your healthcare provider: Cedars-Sinai a... Seen on an imaging test, like magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ), resulting in fluid from! The pain and disrupted sleep, may possibly lead to depression in some individuals fluid-filled.. With similar symptoms would be a meniscus injury s also called a popliteal cyst, may. What appears to be a bruise on your inner ankle inside Baker s... Depression in some individuals mechanically block full flexion deep venous thrombosis, also called a popliteal cyst tissue the. Case the chief differential diagnosis is deep venous thrombosis ( burst ) contains sacs fluid! Buildup of joint fluid fluid and have the typical signs found during the physical examination, your might. Normal structure of the calf muscle into the calf skin due to irritation caused by or! Have the typical appearance of cyst reduce friction between the structures around it.! Activities difficult, dramatically impacting your quality of life knee contains sacs of fluid called bursa help! Is imaged for other knee problems to treat before advising surgery which becomes red, swollen and tight services. Difficulty with full flexion – a large cyst may leak into the calf contact your provider gives you concave... Semitendinosus muscle is one of three hamstring muscles that are located at the base of.! Few weeks will check you carefully for other reasons of motion and symptoms! The test or procedure a chronic/subacute presentation can manifest as a popliteal cyst, is a fluctuant swelling in.