What Is A Bakers Cyst? A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between tendons, bones, and skin. A Baker's cyst is an abnormal swelling of a bursa located in the space behind the knee (the popliteal space). The cyst connects to the membrane covering the knee joint.
How Does It Occur? No one really knows what causes Baker's cysts. However, the cysts can occur when the lining of the knee joint produces too much fluid, as in rheumatoid arthritis, or after an injury.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bakers Cyst? You may have pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness in the area behind the knee.
How Is It Diagnosed? Your doctor will examine your knee and find a bulge in the back of your knee. You may need to have a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or an arthrogram to help the doctor determine if you have a Bakers cyst. For an arthrogram, dye is injected into your knee and then an x-ray is taken to look at the joint capsule, the membrane surrounding the joint.
How Is A Bakers Cyst Treated? The initial discomfort of a Bakers cyst may be treated by wearing an elastic bandage. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, the cyst may be drained, or an operation may be performed to remove the cyst. Sometimes they return. Sometimes the cyst goes away on its own. If the cyst does not cause bothersome symptoms, it may not be treated and just left alone.
How Can A Bakers Cyst Be Prevented? There is really no way to prevent a Baker's cyst from forming.
All material provided is designed for information purposes only and should not be used to replace the care of a health care professional. Do not rely on any of the information for diagnosis or treatment. It is recommended that you visit a qualified health care professional for individual and personal attention.
All material provided is designed for information purposes only and should not be used to replace the care of a health care professional. Do not rely on any of the information for diagnosis or treatment. It is recommended that you visit a qualified health care professional for individual and personal attention.
