Baker's Cyst

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Video: Baker's Cyst

Video: Baker's Cyst
Video: Baker's Cyst - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim 2024, March
Baker's Cyst
Baker's Cyst
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Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled formation that is located in the knee area and causes swelling and pain that are exacerbated by physical activity. Baker's cyst is also known as synovial popliteal cyst.

Synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant, helps the leg move and bend normally, while reducing friction between the connecting parts of the knee. In some cases, however, the knee produces too much of this fluid, which can cause it Baker's cyst.

This can occur as a result of inflammation of the knee joint, which occurs in various forms of arthritis, as well as in knee injury. It is possible that a specific cause of the cyst is missing.

Baker's cyst affects children and the elderly, but is most common in people between the ages of 55 and 70.

Symptoms of Baker's cyst

Sometimes Baker's cyst does not cause any painful sensations and this is the reason why many people do not notice it for a long time. When signs of a cyst do appear, however, they consist of stiffness, knee pain, and swelling in the back of the knee.

Warming and redness may be observed, accompanied by pain resulting from the outflow of synovial fluid. These symptoms usually worsen after prolonged sitting or active exercise.

Diagnosis of Baker's cyst

In most cases, Baker's cyst is diagnosed by examination and physical examination. In cases where a more serious condition such as a tumor or blood clot in the area needs to be ruled out, the doctor may order imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound.

Although Baker's cyst not serious conditions, a visit to the doctor and accurate diagnosis are mandatory to rule out any more dangerous condition that causes swelling behind the knee.

Baker's cyst treatment

In most cases, Baker's cyst does not need to be treated because it disappears on its own over time. However, when it ruptures, the patient must rest.

Baker's cyst
Baker's cyst

It is good to look for a previous disease in the area and to treat it, because it is possible that the cyst will reappear. In rare cases, surgical removal of the cyst is required. The specialist may also prescribe physiotherapy to quickly alleviate the problem.

It is possible to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce inflammation and thus act on the swelling. Ice packs are also useful to reduce inflammation, but ice should not come into direct contact with the skin.

To help support the knee, bandages may be applied to the area. Crutches, on the other hand, will take the weight of the knee joint and help the patient move more easily and with less knee pain.

One of the most important aspects in the treatment of Baker's cyst is rest. The knee needs active rest to recover faster.

It should not be exposed to irritation and stress. The doctor should determine how long the rest will be, and at the same time it is good to suggest alternative forms of exercise.

Physiotherapy should be performed by specialists who prescribe light strengthening and appropriate movements to strengthen the knee muscles. These exercises will help reduce the unpleasant symptoms that Baker's cyst causes, as well as maintain knee function.

When surgical removal of the cyst is still necessary, arthroscopy is ordered. It is an endoscopic examination, during which an arthroscope (flexible fiber optic tube) is inserted into the joint with a small incision and a camera is used to examine, surgically and drain the collected fluid.

Complications of Baker's cyst

When Baker's cyst ruptures, synovial fluid leaks. This is a rare situation, but still, if it occurs, the patient experiences very severe and sharp pain in the knee area, redness and severe swelling. This fluid is absorbed by the body for up to four weeks, and doctors will prescribe painkillers.

The article is informative and does not replace a consultation with a doctor!

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