Humorously it is often said that when God created humans, one of the body parts to which He had less patience was certainly the knee, as it is one of those ‘elements’ with which, especially as time passes, perhaps the most problems arise. The sensation is likely familiar to many people: the back of the knee fills with fluid, causing discomfort and a tight feeling both when trying to extend the leg and or bend the knee. In the language of literature, this issue is known as the Baker’s cyst.
The Recognizable Symptoms of Baker’s Cyst
During sports, especially when our knees experience unusual and increased stress or during everyday activities like digging, where our legs also require heightened activity, it is unfortunately common to experience unexpected swelling in the back of the knee or other areas of the leg which can result in joint stiffness and painful, very challenging movements. However, it’s worth noting that Baker’s Cyst can, in some cases, be asymptomatic. These issues can arise not only from movement and exertion but also from prolonged periods of standing still. Knee pains may manifest in the form of Baker’s Cyst. If the swelling and pain do not decrease or cease with rest, seeking the assistance of a medical professional is advisable. The causes of these symptoms can be diverse, and the appearance of a fluid-filled cyst in the back of the knee might indicate a more serious issue requiring medical attention.
What are the most frequent causes of the disease?
Just as the smooth operation of moving parts in a vehicle engine is ensured by the lubrication of the components, our knee joint also contains a “lubricant” that is responsible for reducing friction during movement. This lubricant, known as “synovial” in the literature, not only reduces friction but also helps to the smooth movement of the leg, for example, during walking or jogging. However, there are instances where the knee joints produce more fluid than necessary. In such cases, this excess fluid accumulates in the knee crease, leading to the development of a Baker’s cyst. There can be numerous reasons for the development of the cyst. The most common one is inflammation caused by the weakness of the muscles responsible for the stability and coordination of the knee, resulting in overloading of the joints. Although relatively rare, it is possible for a Baker’s cyst to rupture, and the accumulated fluid inside may leak to other parts of the leg. In these cases, swelling may appear elsewhere, and there may be more severe redness, for example, on the calf. In order to exclude venous thrombosis, you should always seek the assistance of a professional in these situations!
Treatment Methods of Baker’s Cyst
In the majority of cases, with a little rest, a Baker’s cyst will be absorbed and disappear from the knee crease within a few days. However, if the pain is very intense which is almost unbearable, or if the cyst is so swollen that we can no longer wait and believe it will resolve on its own, then a solution recommended by a specialist is needed to eliminate the accumulated fluid. Despite sounds unpleasant, one of the most effective ways to eliminate a Baker’s cyst is draining the fluid. This typically involves using a needle under ultrasound guidance to remove the excess fluid from the knee joint. This procedure is commonly referred to as “aspiration” in the literature. A slightly less intimidating solution is the application of a steroid injection. Its advantage is that it almost immediately reduces pain and inflammation. However, the disadvantage is that there is no guarantee with this treatment method to prevent the recurrence of the cyst. In fact, the most effective way to eliminate a Baker’s cyst is physiotherapy. As the most common cause of cyst development is the overload of the knee joint, restoring proper posture is the solution. This involves strengthening the muscles supporting the spine and pelvis to provide optimal stress for the knee joint. In this position strengthening the muscles that move the knee is also recommended. Lymphatic massage is advisable to facilitate the absorption of the cyst. The described methods help to reduce the likelihood of further swelling under the knee. If we believe that no medical intervention is necessary, wearing appropriate knee support, along with icing or performing specific home exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, can be effective in combating Baker’s cyst.
