Baker's Cyst Information

Last reviewed on 16 January 2024 by Danniel Jacques (B.Med.Sci UNSW)

What is a Baker’s Cyst?

Baker's Cyst

A baker cyst is a painful condition which can be characterised by swelling in the back of the knee.

This swelling occurs due to inflammation in the synovial joint which encapsulates the knee resulting in the out-pouching of fluid into a little balloon type sac from the synovial lining.

When this condition develops, synovial fluid (which is normally contained in a tough capsule that encases the knee joint) collects in the baker’s cyst and bulges behind the knee.

This is also called a “popliteal cyst” as it directly affects the popliteal region of the knee (that shallow depression located behind the knee joints).

If left untreated it is possible for it to rupture. A ruptured baker’s cyst may then cause the collected synovial fluid to transfer and travel down the calf muscles of the legs. This can then trigger rapid swelling and discomfort of the leg which may then cause further complications.

What Causes a Baker’s Cyst?

Baker’s cysts are quite common and can be caused by nearly any joint-related inflammation. Some of the most common causes may include;

  • A micro tear in the knee’s meniscal cartilage
  • Repetitive stress injury.
  • Wear & tear in the knee (which is more common in older adults)
  • Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee (ACL injury)
  • Sports-related injury that affects the knee
  • The type of work that a person does may also make them more susceptible. This include jobs that involve being on your knees, such as a gardener or carpenter. Also such jobs that require long shifts without sitting or unusual weight loading through the knees such as nursing.

A baker’s cyst is also know as a >> popliteal cyst

What are the Symptoms of a Baker’s Cyst?

Symptoms may include visible swelling or protrusion on the back of the knee (which can be either with our without pain), constant and prolonged knee pain, and tightness at the back of the knee or simply a feeling of tenderness at the back of the knee.

If left untreated a baker’s cyst may actually rupture. A ruptured or burst baker’s cyst can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and can present very similarly as a blood clot as there will also often be calf related pain.

How is a Baker’s Cyst Diagnosed?

It is always best to visit a qualified medical professional if you suspect that you have either a baker’s cyst or feel that your baker’s cyst may have ruptured or burst.

Your doctor will likely require you to have an ultrasound which will be able to confirm a diagnosis of baker’s cyst and also importantly rule out or alert the doctor of any existence of a blood clot.

If there is an infection suspected then a blood test and maybe an aspiration of the synovial fluid may be required for testing and culturing. In some cases an x-ray and or MRI may also be required to rule out any co-exist conditions that may have contributed to the condition.

Next Page: Learn the answers to the most common questions asked about treating a baker’s cyst, including:

Testimonials

Real accounts by real people. Hear what they have to say!

Baker's cyst

I received the patches. Thank-you. I am happy with the results and will use this product in the future. Thanks,

Kevin G
Arizona, United States
Bakers Cyst on the knee

Hello Toky,

4 more patches to go, and I can report great improvement!

I can bend the knee, the lump in the back is so much smaller, (by half?) I think. Not even thinking of a drain needle and cortisone shot at this point.

Thank you so much.

Judy
North Carolina, United States
Baker's cyst behind knee and calf pain

I’ve had a Baker’s cyst behind my right knee, caused by an injury, for 4 years.

It is excruciatingly painful. I received cortisone injections every 3 months to ease the pain, but to no avail. Luckily, I stumbled upon your website. I put one behind my knee and one on the front of my calf. To my surprise, the swelling was greatly reduced by the next morning!

I would absolutely recommend the OSMO patch to anyone with this problem because I truly believe it works wonders.

I am extremely grateful for your product and I hope for many others to experience the relief I have as a result of using your OSMO patches.

Wayne S
New Jersey, United States
Baker's cyst

Hello Toky,

I used the patches for 5 nights on by left knee with bakers cyst and by the fifth time, the patch was dry- I then took that to mean that all fluid has been removed.

It’s been 2 days since that I have no pain, no more swelling at back of left knee, compared to my right knee they both feel/look the same size, which tells me they are normal sizes again.

Thank you very much for making this fabulous miracle patch available… Staying Positive with a huge SMILE!

Vannette H
Ontario, Canada
Baker's cyst

To whom it may concern,

Got my patches yesterday and skeptically put one on last night.

I woke up this morning astonished, pain gone, flexibility back.

Don’t know how you discovered this but thank you. I will be ordering more as needed.

Anthony A
Connecticut, United States
Baker's cyst

Hi there!

My mother had 20 patches, it made a lot of difference for her knee, she got a big relief out of it, she started bending her knee now after many years,

With best regards

Mesrak M
Argyll, United Kingdom
Baker's cyst

Hi,

I have used 3 patches so far. My leg is already feeling much better.

I am AMAZED by this product and will highly recommend it to others.

Thanks

DEBBIE C
Alberta, Canada
Baker's cyst

Hi Toky, I am amazed at how fast this patch worked!  I felt relief the very next morning, all the stiffness having gone and I was able to walk up and down the stairs much more easily.  I think I will now try a patch on my kneecap where I’ve had inflammation for a long […]

Erika A
Ontario, Canada
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