A Baker's cyst (also known as a popliteal cyst/ Baker's cyst) is a fluid-filled sac (cyst) behind the knee that can cause knee spasms, pain, or stiffness that can get worse when you walk or do physical activities. The accumulation of synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates the knee joint) causes swelling and a lump that forms a cyst at the back of the knee when the knee is put under pressure. An important step in treating a Baker's cyst is to rest the affected leg, and treat the possible underlying cause, such as arthritis.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Treating Cysts at Home
Step 1. Understand the difference between a Baker's cyst and a more serious condition
While it may be possible to treat it at home, you should first make sure that the lump is a Baker's cyst, not a condition that requires medical attention such as deep vein thrombosis or arterial blockage. If there is swelling or purplish discoloration on the fingers and soles of the feet, you should see a doctor immediately.
Step 2. Rest the affected knee
Rest your knee until it doesn't hurt when you apply pressure. Pay attention to any pain, especially the one you feel around or behind your knee when you stretch or straighten your leg. Rest your knees as often as possible for at least a day or two.
Step 3. Apply ice to the knee around the cyst
As soon as possible you should apply ice to the knee that is affected by the cyst. Ice can help reduce swelling and inflammation around the affected area, which will also help reduce pain. Apply ice to your knee for only fifteen to twenty minutes at a time. Before applying new ice, allow the area to warm to room temperature (fifteen to twenty minutes later). This can help reduce swelling and pain in the first day or two after getting a cyst. During this period, you can apply ice to your knee as often as possible.
Wrap the ice (or other frozen object) in a towel (never touch it directly on the skin) before you apply it
Step 4. Use compression
Compression helps reduce swelling in the area affected by the cyst and helps stabilize the knee. Tie an elastic bandage (ace wrap), exercise tape (trainer's tape), knee pad, or even a piece of cloth around the area affected by the cyst.
Tie it tight enough to stabilize the knee but not too tight so as not to block blood circulation
Step 5. Lift your legs
You can reduce swelling and restore blood flow to your heart by elevating your legs. While lying down, raise your legs above your heart (or as high as you want as long as it doesn't make you feel pain). If you are unable to lift the affected leg, try to keep your foot at least parallel to the floor.
Also try to prop your feet up with pillows while you sleep to keep them elevated
Step 6. Take painkillers without a doctor's prescription
You can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin, to help reduce swelling and pain. Follow the dosage on the package and take it according to the daily intake allowed. Take the drug with food and water.
- Avoid giving aspirin to children or teenagers because of the possibility of Reye's syndrome (damage to the liver and brain), especially if the child has the flu or chickenpox. Before giving aspirin to your child, consult a doctor.
- If you have stomach, liver, or kidney problems, medical professionals recommend that you consult with your doctor before taking NSAIDs.
Method 2 of 3: Visiting the Doctor
Step 1. Ask the doctor to examine the cyst
Ask your doctor to investigate and treat the underlying cause of the cyst. Some of the underlying causes of the appearance of cysts include knee trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and trauma to tendons or cartilage.
Step 2. Consult a doctor if your cyst ruptures
Even if you have consulted your doctor for treatment, return to your doctor if you suspect the cyst has ruptured or other complications have occurred. If your Baker's cyst ruptures, the fluid will drain into the calf area of your foot, which can result in:
- There is a sensation of fluid flowing in your calves
- Swelling and redness
- Sharp pain due to leaking fluid and the inflammation that follows, which can lead to blood clots.
- These symptoms may be similar to those of a person with a thrombus, so you should immediately see a doctor to find out if you need treatment for a thrombus. The fragments of the thrombus that are released can lead to life-threatening conditions. If your doctor diagnoses that you are not at risk for complications from a ruptured wound, your foot will reabsorb the fluid in about one to four weeks, and your doctor will suggest or prescribe pain medication.
Step 3. Ask your doctor about steroid injections
A clinical study showed that joint pain, swelling, and range of motion improved after injection of corticosteroids directly into the cyst in patients with Baker's cyst caused by osteoarthritis. The doctor will inject corticosteroids directly into the cyst cavity. Steroids can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the area.
To visualize the cyst and guide the needle, the doctor may use an ultrasound machine
Step 4. Ask your doctor about draining the cyst
The doctor can also remove the fluid that is inside the cyst itself. If you have a secondary cyst (collection of fluid in the front and back of your knee), your doctor may also remove fluid that is in front of or on the side of your knee. You will feel more comfortable because the pain and swelling will be reduced so you can move your knee more freely. The doctor will use an ultrasound to properly inject the needle into the fluid and suck the cyst fluid into the syringe.
- The doctor will use an 18 or 20 gauge needle because these cysts have thick fluid.
- The doctor may also have to perform more than one procedure depending on the amount of fluid present or because the fluid has accumulated in several places.
- Usually the doctor will perform an aspiration (drainage of fluid) followed by a steroid injection. Several studies show that after these two measures are applied, the symptoms will decrease and the knee function will improve.
Step 5. Ask your doctor about surgery to remove the cyst
If the symptoms don't go away, other treatments don't work, or the cyst gets bigger, this can be a last resort. When you are given local anesthesia, surgery is performed by making three incisions (three to four millimeters long) around the cyst to drain the fluid. The surgeon may not remove the entire cyst because the cyst usually heals on its own. After the fluid in the cyst is drained, the surgeon will stitch up the incision.
- This procedure usually takes an hour (or maybe less, depending on the size of the cyst). Large cysts take longer because the swelling may have enveloped blood vessels and nerves.
- You can ask to be given painkillers if needed.
- After arriving home, follow the RICE therapy method (rest / rest, ice / ice, compression / compression, and elevation / leg lift).
- You may be advised by the surgeon to use crutches or a cane to support the weight in the area for a few days.
Method 3 of 3: Maintaining the Strength of Joints and Muscles Affected by Baker's Cyst
Step 1. Visit a physiotherapist
Inflammation in the area of a Baker's cyst can cause muscles to tighten and joints to stiffen. You should do painless strength and flexibility exercises to help restore the area and keep your muscles and joints active. This can help prevent stiffness and/or weakness in the joints and surrounding muscles in the future.
Focus on working the muscles in your hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and buttocks
Step 2. Perform hamstring stretches while standing
Look for a bench or object that is about 50 cm high. Place the leg that is not affected by the cyst on a bench with the knee slightly bent. Lean forward and down (with your back straight) until you feel a stretch in your thighs. Stay in this position for thirty seconds.
- Do three stretches in one session, twice a day, and before and after other exercises.
- If your thigh doesn't feel too stretched, try tilting slightly to the side of the stretched leg and leaning forward.
Step 3. Try practicing hamstring stretches while lying down
Lie on your back. Bend the knee of the leg you want to stretch. Place one hand behind the thigh and the other hand behind the calf. Pull your legs toward your body with your hands, and keep your knees bent at a 20° angle. The back of your thigh will feel stretched. Hold this position for thirty seconds.
- Perform three movements in one session, twice a day, and before and after other exercises.
- If your hands can't reach your feet to pull, try wrapping a towel around your feet. Then you can get the same stretch by pulling on the towel instead.
Step 4. Perform hamstring stretches while sitting
To do this exercise, sit on the edge of a chair. Bend the unaffected leg into a normal sitting position, and place the affected leg in front of you with the knee slightly bent. From this position, lean forward (with your back straight and head up) until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings. Stay in this position for thirty seconds.
Do it in each session twice a day or before and after exercise
Step 5. Use knee bends
While sitting, alternately bend and straighten your knees as far as possible without causing pain. This exercise can help you to maintain a normal range of motion.
Do it once a day with a maximum of twenty movements if you do not feel pain
Step 6. Try a static quadriceps contraction
Place a rolled towel under your knees with your legs straight. Push your knees down toward the towel to tighten your thigh muscles (quadriceps). Place your fingers on your thighs to feel the tightness of the muscles as you contract.
Each time you repeat the movement, hold this position for five seconds and repeat ten times as hard as you can without causing pain
Tips
If you're obese, it's a good idea to treat your cyst first before trying to lose weight, as obesity can put more stress on your knee and make your condition worse
Warning
- Don't overexert yourself by using your knees to walk when you have a Baker's cyst.
- While providing information about Baker's cysts, this article is not medical advice. In addition, consult with your doctor first before deciding on a treatment plan.
