Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that forms as a lump on the back of the knee. This swelling usually causes complaints of tension and limitation of movement. Extending the knee may result in pain. Conditions such as arthritis or cartilage damage that affect the joint structure in this region may play a role in the formation of Baker's cyst. Detection of these underlying problems can also enable the removal of the cyst. Baker's cyst, which does not cause any long-term problems, can be quite uncomfortable for some people. Although rare, Baker's cyst may rupture and progress downwards along the calf muscle and may present with the development of bruising around the ankle. Dr. Named after William Morrant Baker.
Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled vesicle structure formed in the posterior part of the knee. Baker's cyst development in adults usually occurs in a degenerative process. In children, Baker's cyst may occur as a result of herniation of the knee joint capsule, not due to any other condition. Baker's cyst causes tension and fullness in the back of the knee. The pain that occurs with a Baker's cyst occurs when bending the knee, especially when people are active.
What Causes Baker's Cyst?
Like other body joints, the knee joint contains fluid-filled cushions called bursae around it. These structures allow the joints to continue to move without friction. If there is excessive fluid production in the knee, these bursa structures may swell, causing the formation of Baker's cyst. These cysts may be painful in some people and may restrict the movement of the knee.
Baker's cyst is a problem that can occur in any individual. However, there are two age groups where it is particularly seen. These are childhood between the ages of 4-7 and adulthood between the ages of 35-70. The formation of Baker's cysts is usually observed after an injury such as a fall. In some people, chronic (long-term) joint problems may also play a role in the formation of the cyst. In some cases of Baker's cyst, the underlying cause may not be clarified. In general, meniscus tears, d Inflammation of the scar joint (arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases are the most common disorders that play a role in the formation of Baker's cysts.
What are the Symptoms of Baker's Cyst?
In some cases of Baker's cyst, no complaints may occur. In some people, the complaints that occur with the development of Baker's cyst can be summarized as follows:
- Moderate or severe pain
- Stiffness
- Restriction of movement
- Development of swelling in the back of the knee
- Redness in the knee, calf or wrist area
Does Baker's Cyst Turn into Cancer?
Baker's cyst does not turn into cancer, but care should be taken as it may show similar symptoms with the development of a mass or clot in the leg veins, which is another important health problem. It is recommended to consult health institutions, especially if the cyst bursts and causes a color change in the ankle area, to clarify whether this is due to the clot or the eruption of the cyst.
How is the Diagnosis of Baker's Cyst?
Physicians can diagnose Baker's cyst. In the approach, they first perform a physical examination of the knee and detect the swelling behind it. In cases where the cyst is small, they can compare the affected knee with the healthy knee and examine the decrease in joint range of motion.
Radiological imaging examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasonography (USG) can be used in cases of Baker's cyst, which progresses with an increase in the size of the cyst or severe pain. Magnetic resonance imaging allows the cyst to be seen easily and is effective in elucidating whether the underlying cause is joint damage. These radiological tests also allow evaluation of whether the cyst is a tumor or other tissue growth.
How is the Treatment of Baker's Cyst?
The treatment of Baker's cyst usually starts with non-surgical methods. After any joint trauma, the first of the methods recommended by the experts is resting this area, putting ice on it, applying pressure and keeping it elevated. It is recommended that people with Baker's cysts avoid activities that can cause excessive strain on the knee.
Apart from these applications, pain relief drugs can be applied within the prescription of your physicians. In some individuals, steroid injections can be used as part of Baker's cyst treatment. These drugs injected into the joint cavity can help control edema and pain by suppressing inflammation.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation practices are an important part of the treatment of Baker's cyst. Regular and gentle exercises can both strengthen the muscles around the knee and contribute to increasing the range of motion of the knee thanks to these exercises. In individuals with severe pain complaints, assisted walking with the help of a cane or crutch is among the applications that can be applied for the control of pain. The correct treatment of
Baker's cyst is very important in terms of preventing its reoccurrence. In individuals with arthritis (joint inflammation) problems, surgical intervention may be considered if joint damage is determined as the main cause of cyst formation.
Surgical applications are rarely used in the treatment of Baker's cyst. In some cases, the reason for applying surgical methods is to correct the injury underlying the cyst formation. Surgical treatment of Baker's cyst is recommended especially in patients with unbearable knee pain and in patients with severely limited range of motion. In some cases of Baker's cyst, however, the surgeon can focus directly on the cyst and remove it with various applications:
Drainage
After applying to health institutions with the complaint of Baker's cyst, physicians may empty the contents of the cyst by means of a needle accompanied by ultrasonography. In severe cases of Baker's cyst, results may not be obtained with drainage alone.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Arthroscopic knee surgery is a procedure that provides both diagnosis and treatment for damage to the knee joint. In this operation, physicians make a small incision (incision) in the knee area and then insert a flexible arthroscope with a camera at the end into the knee through this opening.
Knee Osteotomy
Physicians in knee osteotomy surgery repair the damage in the knee area. It performs the removal of some bone structures in the name of hair removal. This procedure can be an important treatment option, especially for people suffering from knee pain due to joint inflammation. Sometimes there are cases where the cyst bursts under the skin and then the leaking fluid is absorbed by the body. However, it is necessary to treat the underlying cause of the formation of the Baker's cyst in order to eliminate it and prevent its recurrence. . This is due to the neglect of these cysts, especially by people who experience mild pain. Although it is possible for some individuals to have the cyst go away on its own, complications such as worsening of pain over time, increasing the size of the cyst, and the development of red-purple discoloration in the leg with the eruption of the cyst may occur in some untreated Baker's cysts.
The fact that the formed cysts have not healed spontaneously within a certain period of time may indicate that it is necessary to seek support from specialist physicians by applying to health institutions.
You can ask the expert team of Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals about the issues you are wondering about Baker's cyst and ask for suggestions regarding your question. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
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