Baker cyst

Diagnosis

Performing a physical examination and taking a patient’s medical history can often reveal the presence of a Baker cyst. A blood clot, aneurysm, or tumor are examples of more serious illnesses with symptoms that resemble those of a Baker cyst. Your doctor might request imaging tests, such as:

• X-ray: This test can be used to determine whether you have knee arthritis even though it may not necessarily reveal the Baker cyst itself. One of the potential causes of a Baker cyst is arthritis.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Instead of using X-rays, an MRI employs magnetic waves to provide detailed images of the inside of the body. This examination may provide your doctor with even more details regarding what may be causing the Baker cyst.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a quick and painless test that uses sound waves to identify if a mass is solid or fluid.

Treatment

In some cases, a Baker cyst may resolve on its own. However, if the cyst is large and causing significant pain, treatment may be necessary. It is often helpful to avoid activities that exacerbate mild symptoms as a means of managing the condition.

Medications

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are nonprescription painkillers that can lessen pain and inflammation.

Inflammation in the knee can be reduced by a cortisone injection or other steroid injection. This may lessen the cyst’s size and ease the pain, but it doesn’t always prevent the cyst from returning.

Therapies

Engaging in gentle exercise that promotes range of motion and strengthens the muscles surrounding the knee can help alleviate discomfort and maintain knee function. This can lead to an overall improvement in symptoms.

Surgery or other procedures

Your doctor could use a needle to drain the cyst’s fluid in order to lessen the cyst’s size. This procedure, known as needle aspiration, is frequently carried out under ultrasonography control.

If the underlying cause of the Baker cyst is a joint issue, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. For instance, if a torn cartilage is causing the accumulation of synovial fluid in the knee, the surgeon may remove or repair the affected tissue. Additionally, the surgeon may also choose to drain fluid from the cyst during the same procedure.

Surgery is a rare necessity to remove the cyst. If alternative forms of therapy have proven ineffective in reducing pain and improving the patient’s ability to walk or engage in daily activities, the option of surgery may be considered. This approach is typically employed when other methods of treatment have not produced satisfactory results.