Pain Behind the Knees – Baker’s Cyst

Pain behind the knees comes from several causes. A Baker’s Cyst is one of those causes. Aside from the annoying pain, there usually aren’t major issues from pain behind the knees from a Baker’s cyst.

However, if untreated, the cyst can grow. If it does it can cause stiffness, discomfort or pain. In some cases, if left untreated, the cyst can burst. The bursting of a Baker’s cyst might cause swelling, sharp knee pain, redness of the calf and a feeling of liquid falling down your leg.

Therefore, if you feel pain coming from the back of you knees than it’s possible you have a Baker’s cyst.

What is a Baker’s Cyst

A Baker’s cyst (Popliteal cyst) was first described by William Morrant Baker. It is a swelling from increased amounts of synovial fluid. The fluid acts as a lubricant to the knee joint. If pressure builds up, the synovial fluid begins to swell in the back of the knee.

Common Causes of a Baker’s Cyst

• Meniscus Tear is an injury in the meniscus: a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. Pain behind the knees from a Meniscus Tear is quite common. In addition it is usually caused by twisting or turning quickly, often with the foot planted and the knee bent.
• Arthritis in the Knee is an inflammation of one or more of the joints and is common in older adults. For knee pain relief from arthritis check out Arthritic Knee: 10 Tips for Happiness.
• Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac located near your knee joint. This knee pain condition is most common in kids.

Baker’s Cyst Relief Tips

Knee pain relief can only be helpful if you know where the pain is coming from. If you can’t determine it yourself then contact your doctor or professional healthcare provider.

Often a Baker’s cyst will go away on it’s own without any treatment. However, if the cyst is large then consider the R.I.C.E method which is an acronym for rest, ice, compression & elevation. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin can be used to provide knee pain relief as well.

To learn more about various causes of pain behind knee click here. You could have any number of conditions, and not necessarily Baker’s Cyst.

Do you have pain behind the knees from a Baker’s cyst? Please comment below.