A Baker's cyst (popliteal cyst) is a fluid-filled sac located behind the knee. In particular, its existence will make the knee feel tense and painful. Baker's cyst is a very common medical disorder and can be caused by any condition that causes the knee joint to swell, including arthritis. Sometimes, the appearance of Baker's cyst is not accompanied by any symptoms and is only detected when the patient goes to the doctor for other purposes. Therefore, try reading this article to recognize the symptoms of Baker's cyst so that you can anticipate its appearance more quickly.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing the Early Symptoms of Cysts
Step 1. Watch for swelling in the area behind the knee
The swelling is caused by the build-up of fluid in the cyst, which inflames the area behind the knee. In particular, the swelling will look like something sticking out, and will be more pronounced if you stand with your legs stretched out.
Swelling of one knee will also be visible in the mirror
Step 2. Be aware of the tension felt behind the knee
When the fluid level in the cyst increases, this condition will automatically increase the pressure behind the knee. As a result, your knee will feel tight like it's about to explode, especially if you stand with your knee stretched out and the skin around it.
Step 3. Be aware of the stiffness you feel around the knee
Remember, stiff is different from tense. When you have stiffness, you will find it difficult to bend your knees. Instead, when the nerves are tensed, the knee will feel tight like a balloon about to explode. When you have a Baker's cyst, your knee may feel stiff as the muscles and joints in that area become inflamed.
In addition, you may also feel uncomfortable if you have to stand for too long
Step 4. Watch for pain that appears at the back of the knee
The presence of a fluid-filled cyst will automatically add pressure to the nerves behind your knee. As a result, a fairly intense pain will appear, especially when the knee is constantly moved. Most people with Baker's cyst describe the pain in two ways:
- Some people have a centered pain. In other words, very intense pain will appear in the area where the swelling is most severe.
- Some people feel pain that seems general throughout the knee area.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing Advanced Symptoms of Cyst
Step 1. Watch for increased pain when the knee is moved
While an early-stage Baker's cyst will only be painful when the knee is moved or moved in a certain way, an advanced Baker's cyst will feel the slightest movement of your knee.
The pain that appears will feel more intense and may be accompanied by a burning sensation at the site of the cyst
Step 2. Watch for fluid running behind the knee
When a cyst in the knee joint is compressed, the risk of rupturing often arises. As a result, the fluid in the cyst will flow into the area around the knee and the cyst will open so you can see the fluid flow clearly.
Step 3. Monitor knee movement
The longer the cyst is treated, the less mobility your knee will have. The inability to move normally is caused by the intense pain and inflammation that makes it difficult for you to bend your knee. Therefore, treat the cyst immediately if the knee:
- Cannot bend perfectly.
- Cannot be straightened.
- Pain when bent or straightened.
Step 4. Find the symptoms of an enlarged cyst
Sometimes, a Baker's cyst can enlarge and spread to the calf muscle area. If this is the case, your calves may look as red as they did when the rash occurred. In addition, the temperature of the feet may be warm (known as erythema) and the lower leg area may also swell (called distal edema). The swelling is actually caused by an enlarged cyst pressing on the veins in your leg.
Symptoms of enlarged cysts are actually similar to the medical condition known as deep vein thrombosis
Step 5. Understand that an enlarged cyst can burst
In very rare cases, an enlarged cyst can rupture and drain fluid into your calf muscles. Some of the symptoms that you may experience afterward are very intense pain, warm calves, and pain when the calf is touched. In addition, your calf may also appear red or blue in the area of the tissue that is draining the blood. If you find these symptoms, immediately go to the hospital!
Method 3 of 3: Understanding Cyst Risk Factors
Step 1. Identify some medical disorders that can increase your risk of developing a Baker's cyst
In fact, Baker's cyst is more common in people who have medical problems with their knees. If your knee is inflamed or painful from any problem, it's more likely that this condition will trigger the formation of a cyst. Some conditions to watch out for are:
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis
Step 2. Understand that certain types of knee injuries can increase your risk of developing Baker's cyst
If your knee has suffered an injury, such as from a sustained meniscus tear or damage to one of the ligaments, your risk of Baker's cyst increases. This happens because inflammation that has already occurred can trigger the formation of cysts.
Step 3. Understand that previous surgical procedures may also increase your risk of developing Baker's cyst
If you've had a knee injury before, it's likely that you've had surgery to improve knee function. As a result, when the knee is moved excessively before the condition is fully recovered, inflammation can occur. As with arthritis, stress-induced inflammation of the knee can increase your risk of developing Baker's cyst.
