Baker Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

A Baker's cyst, also termed as a popliteal cyst, is a form of fluid-filled swelling that may occur at the back of the knee.

There are two types of Baker cysts: primary and secondary.

• Primary Baker Cyst: Primary Baker cysts form when too much synovial fluid accumulates in the knee joint due to inflammation or injury. This type of Baker cyst is often seen in people with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other forms of arthritis.
• Secondary Baker Cyst: Secondary Baker cysts form when there is a blockage in either the knee joint or the veins leading from it, which causes an accumulation of synovial fluid. This type of cyst may be caused by trauma to the knee or a build-up of scar tissue around the knee joint from surgery or disease processes such as osteoarthritis or meniscus tears.

Baker cyst is usually caused by an underlying condition such as arthritis or damage to the knee joint, which causes increased pressure and swelling in the area.

Other causes may include trauma to the knee, overuse of the joint, or a previous injury.

• Swelling and tenderness in the back of the knee.
• Feeling of fullness or tightness behind the knee.
• Stiffness in the knee joint.
• Trouble straightening the knee.
• Pain radiating from behind the knee down to the calf.

• In order to ease strain on the knee joint, keep a normal weight.
• Regularly exercise with low impact activities like cycling, swimming, or walking.
• Avoid activities that involve jerking or twisting motions at the knee joint.
• Use proper form during exercise and activities that involve lifting heavy objects to reduce strain on the knee joint.
• Wear supportive footwear with good cushioning and arch support when needed to help reduce strain on the knee joint.
• Strengthen muscles around your knees to help support joints and reduce strain on them.

• Patient's symptoms are evaluated: Pain and swelling behind the knee are common symptoms of a Baker's cyst.
• Physical examination: The cyst may be noticeable to your doctor when they check your knee.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other potential causes of knee swelling.
• Aspiration: In some cases, your doctor may aspirate (remove fluid) from the cyst with a needle to confirm the diagnosis.

• Swelling of the knee joint: The knee joint may swell, hurt, or become stiff due to Baker cysts.
• Pain and tenderness: Pain and tenderness may be present around the back of the knee due to pressure on nerves, tendons and muscles in the area.
• Compression of nerves: Compression of nearby nerve endings can lead to numbness or tingling sensation in the lower leg, foot, or toes.
• Increased risk of infection: The fluid from a Baker cyst can leak into surrounding tissue, which increases the risk for infection.
• Reduced range of motion: Range of motion of the knee may be reduced due to pain or swelling caused by a Baker cyst.

• Ice: In order to alleviate pain and swelling, a cold compress or ice pack should be applied to the affected region for 15 to 20 minutes multiple times a day.
• Compression: Wear compression stockings or bandages to support the knee and reduce swelling.
• Elevation: If you're experiencing swelling in the knee or the region around it, elevating your leg while sitting or laying down may help.
• Guggulu: This herb is used to reduce inflammation and improve joint health.
• Guduchi: This herb is believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Erandamool: This herb is used to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
• Sesame oil: This oil is used for massage in order to improve circulation and reduce pain.

• Eat a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
• Baker's cyst may induce knee pain and swelling, both of which can be alleviated by drinking enough of water.
• Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet by eating cold water fish or taking an omega-3 supplement.

• Avoid high-salt foods: Limit your intake of salt, sodium-containing condiments, pickles, olives, cured or processed meats and canned soups.
• Avoid processed and fried foods: These often contain trans fats which can trigger inflammation and increase swelling in the knee joint.
• Avoid refined carbohydrates: White breads, pastas and other simple carbs cause your blood sugar to spike rapidly, leading to inflammation in the knee joint.
• Limit consumption of fatty red meat: Red meat contains high levels of saturated fat which can cause inflammation in the body and increase swelling in the knee joint.

• Corticosteroid Injections: This involves injecting corticosteroid medication directly into the cyst to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Aspiration: This is a minimally invasive procedure that removes fluid from the cyst and provides relief for patients
• Cyst excision: A minor incision at the back of the knee is used to remove the cyst.
• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive method that visualises and removes the cyst using a tiny camera.
• Drainage: A needle is inserted into the cyst to drain its fluid content.
• Synovectomy: The procedure involves removing the synovial membrane that lines the knee joint and causes the cyst.

The best doctor to consult for this condition is an orthopedic surgeon.

They specialize in musculoskeletal conditions and can diagnose and treat a Baker’s cyst.

• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are used to treat inflammation and discomfort.
• Cortecosteroids: Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Topical creams: Topical creams or gels containing capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers, to reduce pain in the affected area.
• Diuretics: Diuretics, such as furosemide, to reduce fluid accumulation in the knee.

In most cases, the cyst will clear up on its own within a few weeks to several months.

Generally, if the underlying issue causing the cyst is treated, such as a knee injury or arthritis, then there is a good chance that the Baker

Cyst can be resolved permanently.

However, if the cause of the cyst is not treated, then it may recur despite treatment.

• After a Baker cyst is drained, it is important to follow the doctor’s post-treatment guidelines in order to minimize the risk of recurrence.
• Rest the affected leg and minimize vigorous activity for a few days following the treatment.
• Apply cold compresses or ice packs intermittently for 24 hours following treatment to reduce swelling and pain associated with the cyst drainage.
• Wear compression stockings or bandages around your calf or knee as prescribed by your doctor to reduce swelling and discomfort and help keep fluid from reaccumulating in the area of your cyst.
• Elevate your leg when sitting or lying down, as this will help reduce swelling in that area by encouraging blood flow away from it.

Generally, treatments such as draining fluid from the cyst, medications, physical therapy, and surgical excision can range in cost from ₹3,000-₹20,000.

• Common side effects of treatment for a Baker's cyst include:
• Knee pain and discomfort.
• Redness and swelling at the injection area.
• A higher risk of infection if surgery is done.

If you are suffering from any complications relating to Baker Cyst then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can cause complications like 'Baker cyst bursts and synovial fluid leaks and other problems' in which treatment courses can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.