Baker's Cyst Information

Last updated on 27 April 2021 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

Hi Toky, how are you? I ordered the patch because I have a meniscus tear on my knees which allows fluid to build into a baker’s cyst. The cyst I have on my right knee is larger than the left. So bending my knees is very uncomfortable because of the pressure and can be very […]

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Alberta, Canada
Baker's cyst

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Baker's cyst

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Australia
Baker's cyst

Hi Just a quick note that I feel I needed to write about the OSMO Patches. In September I tripped over while running and fell on my knee which left me with a fractured bone at the back of my knee which in turn ruptured my cruciate ligament. Although back on track now after various […]

Kim C
South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Baker's cyst

Dear Folks in Australia, I have just placed my third order with you for your OSMO Patches because they do work and I am so impressed with how they work.  No one here at my end has ever seen anything like your patches and I love telling people about them. I suffer from a Bakers […]

Patty C
Michigan, United States
Baker's cyst

Just want you to know that I was able to walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes yesterday without leg pain for the first time in over 2 years!  Thanks.

Bob R
Ohio, United States
Baker's cyst

Hello! I wanted to write to let you know that I truly feel that a combination of your OSMO patches and infrared laser treatments on my knee have nearly cured my knee.  I had a probable torn miniscus, and had developed a baker’s cyst behind the knee from the injury.  I am a very active […]

Linda M
Michigan, United States
Knee Baker's Cysts and Meniscus tears

I’ve had knee problems for 3 decades and have had 4 surgeries due to an ACL Tear and numerous Meniscus tears.  Due to these problems, I’ve had a chronic problem with a Baker’s Cist in back of my knee.  I’ve been living with the Baker’s Cyst for years and the swelling that this Cyst caused […]

William M
California, United States
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