Baker’s cyst: treatment to reduce swelling and relieve possible pain

Baker’s cyst is a lump composed of synovial fluid that accumulates in the back of the knee, in the so-called region of the popliteal fossa or popliteal fossa. For this reason, it is also known as a popliteal cyst and can be accompanied by pain behind the knee, although pain is not always one of its symptoms.

Why do Baker’s cysts occur?

In the knee we all have some sacs containing synovium or synovial fluid , a transparent liquid that keeps the joint lubricated to protect it from the friction produced by our movements. When it occurs some internal problem in the knee, the joint generates more synovial fluid to protect itself, producing a bulge in the back of the knee, the popliteal fossa.

This happens, for example, when there is a knee injurysuch as a tear of the menisci or the anterior cruciate ligament, or when you suffer from a disease that occurs with joint inflammation, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Most common symptoms

Most of the time Baker’s cyst does not give more symptoms than the lump Caused by accumulation of synovial fluid.

Other times, however, if nerve compression occurs, the cyst can cause pain behind the knee, swelling, or numbness.

can also produce stiffness and some difficulty bending the kneeand sometimes even a tibial nerve palsy.

Although rare, Baker’s cyst it can be broken. The synovial bags become excessively dilated, the synovial fluid it leaks out and down the leg. This It can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness in the calf.

These symptoms of Baker’s cyst can be similar to those of deep vein thrombosis or acute thrombophlebitis. For this reason , given the symptoms described , it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately as a precautionto rule out a more serious problem.

How is it diagnosed

For the diagnosis of Baker’s cyst, a Physical exam and symptoms are evaluated.

In the event that it is suspected that it is indeed a Baker’s cyst, it is confirmed with a Doppler ultrasound or one magnetic resonance.

Baker’s cyst treatment

In the face of a Baker’s cyst, the most common treatment is conservative, that is, do the simplest. In most cases usually improves in about 12 weeks or three months of follow-up.

the rtraditional surgical section and the arthroscopic surgery apply in cases very rare and there is much controversy about the effectiveness of surgical methods.

In the conservative line, the Baker’s cyst natural treatmentseveral things can be done:

RICE knee treatment

When it is noted that the Baker’s cyst has caused by traumasuch as a blow, it is recommended to follow the RICE treatment, the acronym in English for rest (rest), ice (ice), compression (compress) and elevation (rise up), followed by some muscle conditioning exercises.

This protocol, which in addition to knee care is also often used in cases of sprains, sprains or tendinitis, is especially important during the first 24 hours after the injury occurs, although it can be maintained for 2-3 days. It consists more specifically of:

rest and protect the injured or sore area. It is important to rest the injured area, although it must not be forgotten that excessively prolonged rest could, on the contrary, be counterproductive. ice massage every 4-7 hours to reduce inflammation and pain. Wrap the ice in a cloth, so as not to apply it directly in contact with the skin.compress or bandage the sore area with an elastic bandage or compression stocking.raise knee and keep it in that elevated position, above the heart.

stretching

This protocol should be followed by conditioning exercises. Exercise is the most effective, non-invasive and natural way to improve the condition of the knee in cases of Baker’s cyst. The main exercise consists of bend and extend the knee, always without forcing, but reaching the limits of the joint. This produces a stretching and strengthening the hamstrings and quadriceps that must be repeated several times a day.

These exercises apart, it is recommended stop practicing the aggravating activities for a while. Returning to activity too soon or without adequate rehabilitation will often lead to knee swelling and a recurrence of the popliteal cyst.

dry needling

Dry needling or acupuncture needle needling, followed by a pressure bandage, can sometimes achieve rapid and dramatic removal of the cyst. Fluid leaks out of the sac and is reabsorbed by the body.

Massages and hydrotherapy

In addition, we can apply a massage in contracted areas around the knee And apply contrast hydrotherapy with hot and cold water.

It also can review foot biomechanics, gait, and knee mechanicsto evaluate and improve its movements.

Clay, arnica and kinesiotape compresses

Another technique consists of applying a compress of clay overnight in the area.

TOBefore and after applying the clay compress, you should also apply Arnica ointment the first 9 days and then every other day until the cyst disappears.

During the day, apply compression bandage or kinesiotape strips.