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A Baker’s cyst, also called a Baker’s cyst or a popliteal cyst, forms under the knee and is easy to palpate. It poses no immediate health risk, but can sometimes damage blood vessels and nerves, so should be seen by a doctor.
For the formation of a cyst too much synovial fluid in the joint cavity may be affected. Cyst it may arise as a result of an injury, inflammation or a chronic disease affecting the osteoarticular system. The most vulnerable to this disease are athletes and people who are quite overweight and who are not very active in physical activity. Children from 4 to 7 years old and adults from 35 to 70 years are most often mentioned in the risk group. The cyst can be primary or secondary. Primary – developing in healthy knee joints, can be called Baker’s idiopathic cyst. Fluid from inside the joint enters the popliteal bursa and forms a cyst. Secondary – develops in the knee affected by arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis) or cartilage damage. Such a cyst may be called a secondary cyst.
If we want to avoid problems with the joints, we can try supplements, which include, among others the entire Boswellia plant, which is anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Baker’s cyst – symptoms, treatment
The first and primary symptom Baker’s cyst there is a lump under the knee, clearly palpable on palpation. The skin around this area may be red and unnaturally warm. In some cases, you may experience swelling and discomfort when trying to bend your knee. In a later stage of the disease, limb numbness and sensory disturbance may appear. If the contents of the cyst spill into the adjacent tissues, the calf is also numb. The basic examination to diagnose this disease is an ultrasound. Treatment of cysts depends on the degree of their advancement and ailments. It happens that the cyst disappears or the accompanying symptoms are minimal and the doctor will not recommend pharmacotherapy.
Talk to your doctor about treatment options for a cyst. Remember that you can use the e-visit option – at any time of the day or night.
Baker’s cyst – home treatment
This disease does not always require advanced treatment. Often times, it is possible to combat cyst-related ailments by natural means. It is very important to control your weight and relieve your joints by getting rid of extra pounds. But cyst it does not only apply to obese people, but also to people who are very physically active. Mild ailments can be muted with special pressure bands and by sparing the limb. Crutches also help to relieve the joints. The best solution is to put yourself in the hands of an experienced physiotherapist who will recommend a therapy that will help strengthen the joints.
Baker’s cyst – treatment
It is not always possible to cure a cyst with home remedies. Occasionally, the doctor may need to administer drug therapy. Cyst can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Fluid drainage with injection of cortisol may be performed or finally removed cyst operationally.
Baker’s cyst – rehabilitation
Rehabilitation at Baker’s cyst includes:
- physical therapy with an analgesic effect, reducing swelling – cryotherapy (treatment with cold), iontophoresis (administration of an anti-inflammatory drug with direct current), magnetic field, laser therapy;
- deep tissue massage;
- kinesiotaping (taping) – covering the joint with special, flexible plasters;
- kinesitherapy – exercises first without weighting, then resistance exercises and finally exercises for the entire limb;
- pressure bands are placed around the cyst to prevent its enlargement;
- securing the joint with a knee orthosis.
Do you need rehabilitation focused on a Baker’s cyst? You can find specialized centers on the website cliniki.pl.
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