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Baker's cyst
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popliteal
cyst
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Diseases & Conditions
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Baker’s cysts are benign cystic tumors
found on the back of the knee joint. The cyst forms with an accumulation
of fluid between the 2 groups of muscles behind the knee. This cyst may
form from an injury or inflammation of the membrane lining of the knee
joint. You notice a bulge behind your knee, and you feel
tightness back there, too. The pain gets worse when
you fully extend your knee or when you're active.
What could be the cause?
A likely explanation is that you have a Baker's
cyst, also called a popliteal cyst. A Baker's cyst
is usually the result of a problem with your knee
joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. Both
conditions can cause your knee to produce too much
fluid, which can lead to a Baker's cyst. Treating
the larger problem usually relieves the swelling and
discomfort of a Baker's cyst.
These cysts occur most often in adults between 55
and 70, and in children between 4 and 7 years old.
As many as one in five people with other knee
problems develop a Baker's cyst.
Self-care
If your
doctor determines that arthritis is causing the cyst, he or she may
advise you to take some or all of the following steps to reduce the
inflammation and lessen the production of synovial fluid:
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Follow the
P.R.I.C.E. principles.
These letters stand for protection, rest, ice,
compression and elevation. Protect your leg by using
crutches to take the weight off the knee joint and to allow
pain-free walking. Rest your leg. Ice the inflamed area. Compress
your knee with a wrap. And elevate your leg, especially at night.
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Try
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen.
NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen
(Naprosyn, Aleve, others) and similar drugs can help relieve pain,
as can acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Prescription NSAIDs can
provide higher dosages and greater potency than over-the-counter
NSAIDs.
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Scale back
your physical activity.
Doing so will reduce irritation of your knee joint.
Baker's cyst
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