Swollen Behind Your Knee? Consider a Baker's Cyst
A Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst and named after Dr William Baker who first described it. Essentially, it is a fluid-filled swelling that forms behind the knee.
What Causes a Baker's Cyst?
Typically, a Baker’s cyst develops because of an underlying knee problem like osteoarthritis, a meniscus tear or inflammation from overuse. Think of it like your knee being swollen to overcapacity. As the fluid volume builds inside the joint, the overflow escapes into the back of the knee capsule, creating that balloon-like bulge.
Does It Hurt?
Symptoms can range from no trouble at all to a feeling of tightness, swelling and discomfort, especially when you bend or straighten the knee. Sometimes people think it is a clot or a tumour, but thankfully it is usually harmless. Diagnosis of a Baker's cyst usually involves a physical examination and imaging tests to confirm the presence, but more importantly, help determine the cause for the excessive fluid.How Physio Helps a Baker's Cyst
Baker's cyst treatment focuses on the underlying cause. Once your physio has diagnosed the primary cause of your knee swelling, they will help reduce swelling, improve joint mobility and strengthen the muscles around your knee. Improving the strength and mobility of your knee not only settles the Baker's cyst, but also address the primary causes to reduce the chance of recurrence.Hands-on therapy, taping, targeted exercises and advice on activity management are all part of the plan. In more stubborn cases, your doctor might suggest aspiration or a corticosteroid injection.
How Long Should It Take to Settle Your Baker's Cyst?
Success will be determined by the cause of your excessive knee swelling. That means, with the right care, most people improve within six weeks as they do with most physio programs directed towards the knee. Surgery is rarely needed.What to Do Next?
If you find a squishy lump behind your knee, do not panic. PhysioWorks is ready to help you get back on your feet without that unwanted Baker's cyst.
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