Baker's cysts are a relatively common cause of pain and swelling behind the knee joint.
They occur when an inflammatory event causes fluid to form in the bursa that sits at the back of the knee joint.
Symptoms of a Baker's cyst:
This fluid is released into the Baker's cyst (or popliteal cyst) as pressure builds up within the knee joint, resulting in pain (not always though), knee stiffness, and a soft fluid filled lump behind your knee.
It is more common to have symptoms of a baker's cyst for women and people over 40 years old!
You may experience it more with the knee joint at extremes of flexion or extension...it might even feel like a high calf muscle strain.
The Baker's cysts can be caused by many factors including arthritis, overuse injuries like runner's knee, and you guessed it... repetitive kneeling activities such as the old processes involved in prolonged kneeling as a baker where the knee produces excess fluid which gets pinched as you bend your knee!
How to treat a Baker's cyst in the knee joint?
We treat a Baker's cyst with:
Rest, ice and medications to reduce pain and inflammation and excess fluid in the baker's cysts
Baker's cyst fluid drainage from your doctor or specialist and perhaps a steroid injection for quicker restoration of function
Physiotherapy for ideas around a compression wrap, manual therapy to release tight joint and muscles, and exercises for range of motion and strengthening to help your body naturally resorb the swelling, and rebuild strength and resilience in your knee joint.
Surgery may be indicated only if you have exhausted all conservative avenues after months and months of trying graded exercise and strengthening.
How long do Baker's cysts usually last?
It just depends on how long it takes for the underlying cause or problem to resolve the excess fluid at the back of the knee. If you have been overdoing exercise or activity, you'll need to modify it. If you have been putting your knee in awkward positions, you might want to try avoiding them just for a while...like end of range yoga stretches.
The best option is to book an appointment with physiotherapy at our clinic so we can assess the knee pain, and advise on rest, icing, compression and exercises that will build up your knee joint muscles. With this advice you’ll be able to return to everyday activities as soon as possible.
If you need more help, simply click here to book a session with one of our physiotherapists and start your journey to a pain free back of the knee.
Take care,
Tim Jenkins
APA Sports Physiotherapist
Managing Director