Baker's cyst (also known as a popliteal cyst) is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee and causes joint tension, pain, or stiffness and can worsen when you move your leg or during exercise. The buildup of synovial fluid (which lubricates the knee joint) causes swelling and bulges forming the cyst in the back of the knee when under pressure. To treat this disorder, rest of the affected leg and treatment of the potential underlying cause, such as arthritis, is important.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Home Treatments
Step 1. Know the difference between a Baker's cyst and something more serious
While it is possible to treat it at home, you need to make sure it is just that and not some more serious problem that would need urgent medical attention such as a thrombosis or a blocked artery. If you notice any swelling or purple marks in the foot area, you should see your doctor right away.
Step 2. Rest the affected knee
You need to avoid putting stress on him until you feel no more pain with the pressure. Look out for any pain you feel, especially around or behind the knee when you flex or stretch your leg. You should try to rest it for at least a day or two.
Step 3. Apply ice around the cyst
Put it on as soon as possible because it helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area, as well as partially soothe the pain. Leave it on for only 15 to 20 minutes each time and then wait for the skin to return to normal temperature (another 15 to 20 minutes) before reapplying. This remedy helps relieve swelling and pain during the first few days; you can reapply the ice as many times as you want during this time.
Before applying it, wrap the bag of ice (or frozen vegetables) in a towel (never place it directly on the skin)
Step 4. Compress the zone
This limits swelling of the affected area and also stabilizes the knee. Wrap the limb with an elastic bandage, an elastic sports band, a brace, or even a piece of fabric.
Band it tight enough so that the knee is firm, but not too tightly enough to block blood circulation
Step 5. Elevate the limb
Doing so reduces swelling and facilitates venous return to the heart. When lying down, raise your leg higher than your heart (or at a level that doesn't cause you pain). If you are unable to do this, at least try to keep the limb parallel to the ground.
Also try putting pillows under your leg when you sleep to get it up a bit
Step 6. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
You can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, tachipirin, aspirin, and naproxen to help relieve swelling and discomfort. Follow the instructions on the package regarding the dosage and do not exceed the recommended daily doses. Take the medications on a full stomach and with a glass of water.
- Aspirin is not recommended for children or adolescents because it is related to Reye's syndrome (a disease that damages the brain and liver), especially in children with chickenpox or the flu.
- Doctors recommend that you contact your healthcare provider before taking NSAIDs in the case of liver, kidney or stomach disease.
Part 2 of 3: Medical Care
Step 1. See your doctor to assess the severity of the problem
It is important to get examined to analyze the cyst and find the underlying cause, which could be knee trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or damage to the cartilage or tendon, to name a few.
Step 2. See your doctor if the cyst ruptures
Even if you have already contacted your doctor for treatment, you need to go back if you are concerned that the cyst has ruptured or if you are experiencing other complications. If the cyst opens, the fluid inside it may begin to flow down to the calf, causing:
- Feeling of water running down the calf;
- Redness and swelling
- Sharp pain caused by fluid leaking and subsequent inflammation, which can cause blood clots.
- As these symptoms may seem similar to thrombosis, it is important to see your doctor right away, in case you need treatment for this condition. If the clot moves it can create a very dangerous, even fatal, situation. If your doctor determines that there is no risk of complication from rupturing the cyst, know that the tissues of the leg will reabsorb the fluid within 1-4 weeks. Your doctor may also recommend or prescribe painkillers.
Step 3. Ask your doctor about steroid injections
A clinical study has shown that in patients suffering from an arthritis-induced Baker's cyst, swelling, pain and fine motor skills in the area improve markedly after a corticosteroid injection into the knee. The doctor will inject the drug with a needle directly into the cavity of the cyst. Steroids help reduce inflammation and pain.
The doctor may also use an ultrasound device to closely visualize the cyst and thus guide the needle
Step 4. Discuss drainage of the cyst with your doctor
He himself could suck the fluid present inside it. If you have a secondary cyst (fluid has built up both in front of and behind your knee), your doctor may remove fluid from both bags. This procedure allows you greater comfort by reducing pain, swelling and increased motility. The doctor may use an ultrasound tool to properly insert the needle into the cyst and aspirate by pulling the syringe plunger.
- The needle will need to be 18 or 20 gauge, because the fluid in the cyst is quite thick.
- More than one surgery may be required, depending on the amount of fluid or because fluid has accumulated in different areas of the knee.
- In most cases, the procedure consists of an initial aspiration (drainage) followed by a steroid injection. Several studies have found a decrease in symptoms and better joint function following both treatments.
Step 5. Consider the hypothesis of a surgical excision
This is a last resort if symptoms persist, if other treatments have not brought the desired results, or if the cyst is getting very large. While you are under anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small (3 or 4 mm) incision around the cyst to drain the fluid. It will not completely remove the entire cyst, as it usually disappears on its own after surgery. Once the fluid has drained, stitches will be needed to close the incision.
- The entire procedure typically takes no more than an hour (or even less, depending on the size of the cyst); if it is quite large, more time is required, as the swelling may also have involved the nerves and blood vessels.
- Be prepared that you will need to take painkillers as needed.
- Once back home, follow the R. I. C. E. (from the English acronym corresponding to Rest-rest; Ice-ice; Compression-compression and Elevation-elevation).
- Your surgeon may advise you to use crutches or a cane for a few days, so as not to overburden the operated limb with your body weight.
Part 3 of 3: Maintain Muscle and Joint Strength
Step 1. See a physical therapist
Inflammation in the cyst area can cause muscle and joint stiffness. You should perform painless flexibility and strengthening exercises to rehabilitate the affected area and reactivate the muscles. By doing this you can prevent any weakening and / or stiffening of the surrounding muscles and joint.
You need to focus your efforts mainly on the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and calf muscles
Step 2. Do hamstring stretches
Get a stool or object that is about 50cm high. Place the foot of the sound leg on the stool with the knee slightly bent; lean forward and down, keeping your back straight, until you feel the back of your thigh stretch. Hold the position for thirty seconds.
- Do three repetitions twice a day, as well as before and after other exercises.
- If you don't feel a great stretching sensation, try bending slightly towards the side of the leg you are extending and forward.
Step 3. Try stretching your hamstrings while lying down
Lie on the ground in a supine position; bend the knee of the leg you want to stretch. Place one hand behind the thigh and the other behind the calf. Pull the leg with your hands closer to your body, keeping the knee bent at about 20 °. You should feel the stretch in the back of the thigh. Hold the position for thirty seconds.
- Repeat three times for each session twice a day, as well as before and after training.
- If you can't grab the leg, wrap it with a towel; you can achieve the same result by pulling the towel instead of the leg directly.
Step 4. Do hamstring stretches while sitting
To do this exercise, sit on the edge of a chair, bend your sound leg into a normal position, and stretch the injured leg out in front of you, bending your knee only slightly. From this position bend forward (keeping your back straight and head up) until you feel the stretch in the back of the thigh. Hold the position for thirty seconds.
Do three repetitions of each session twice a day or before and after training
Step 5. Bend the knee
When sitting, alternately bend and stretch your knee as far as you can without feeling pain. This exercise will help you maintain normal range of motion in the joint.
Do the exercise once a day for up to 20 repetitions if you are not in pain
Step 6. Do the static contraction of the quadriceps
Place a rolled-up towel under your knee with your leg extended. Push the knee against the towel by contracting the thigh muscles (quadriceps) and place your fingers on these muscles to feel the contraction.
Hold the position for 5 seconds and repeat ten times with the greatest intensity possible without feeling pain
Advice
If you are obese, you should lose weight once the cyst has healed, as the excess weight takes a lot of strain on the knee and can cause further damage
Warnings
- When walking, don't put too much weight on the affected knee.
- Although this article offers information regarding Baker's cyst, it should not be considered medical advice. You must see your doctor before setting up a therapy.
