A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee. The pain can get worse when you fully flex or extend your knee or when you're active.
A Baker's cyst, also called a popliteal (pop-luh-TEE-ul) cyst, is usually the result of a problem with your knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. Both conditions can cause your knee to produce too much fluid, which can lead to a Baker's cyst.
Although a Baker's cyst may cause swelling and make you uncomfortable, treating the probable underlying problem usually provides relief.
June 12, 2015
- Helfgott SM. Popliteal (Baker's) cyst. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 27, 2015.
- Imboden JB, et al. Approach to the patient with knee pain. In: Current Rheumatology Diagnosis & Treatment. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2013. http://www.accessmedicine.com. Accessed April 27, 2015.
- Arthritis of the knee. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00212. Accessed April 27, 2015.
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