Last reviewed on 16 January 2024 by
Danniel Jacques
(B.Med.Sci UNSW)
What is a 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.
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.
Real accounts by real people. Hear what they have to say!
Baker's cyst
Ok, I have an arthritic knee from playing American football and having an operation when I was 18. Going to a doctor to have it drained would cost me well over $220. I know that I will need to get this knee replaced sometime in the near future and you can only do this one time, so it is in my best interest to find a way to prolong the knee replacement.
I tried the OSMO Patch about 1-2 years ago, thinking it may be a gimmick, and it was no gimmick because it works. The pressure on my knee is lessened by morning and I can move around a lot better. I’m health conscious, watch what I eat, go to the gym 3-4 times a week and of course I work. It is important to be open to alternatives instead of the ‘give me a pill’ attitude that most of the public has. As individuals, we have to realize that we, not someone else, are the most interested in our own health.
Thank you
Mike M
Wisconsin, United States
Baker's cyst
Hi Toky,
Thank you very much for sending the patches to Ukraine.
My mother finds them very helpful and asked if I could get her more.
Regards
Vitaliy V
Ternopil Region, Ukraine
Baker's cyst
I used the patch for 3 days and I do a difference in the size of the cyst, how many days in a row can the patch be used? Any restrictions?
Elizabeth C.
New Jersey, 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
Thank you for responding. I think I will save my last two patches in case I need them. Right now, I have such great improvement, I am no longer wearing the knee brace and I can walk up and down stairs with alternating feet. Have not done that for a while! Thanks again,
Ms. Dale C
Georgia, United States
Baker's cyst
Dear Sir or Madam: I purchased the OSMO patch several weeks ago and just started using them 4 days ago for my Bakers Cyst behind my knee. I must admit I was very skeptical but I have noticed a change and less swelling in the area behind my knee. Thank you
Karen B
Illinois, United States
Baker's cyst
Hello,
I recently ordered the OSMO Patches and have already felt the pain decrease on my baker’s cyst.
Thank you.
Patricia N
Arizona, United States
Baker's Cyst
I’ve had bakers cyst under my knee cap for 5 years and I’ve been in constant agony and haven’t been able to bend my knee for 5 years.
All my doctor could come up with was sticking needles under my knee cap, but 3 days on patches and it’s amazing swelling has almost gone, pain is a lot less and for the first time I will be able to get on floor and play with my grandson this christmas.
