I have other health conditions. Treatment of a Baker’s cyst usually starts with nonsurgical options. However, because some of the signs and symptoms of a Baker's cyst mimic those of more-serious conditions, such as a blood clot, aneurysm or tumor, your doctor may order noninvasive imaging tests, including: Sometimes a Baker's cyst will disappear on its own. Anyway it's become a bit obvious over the years, esp. Second, it could be a lymph node. $26.99 $ 26. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Do I need to limit my activity? It is also called a popliteal cyst. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. I can more or less pry it around under the skin though it stays in the same location. If arthritis or another problem is causing the Baker's cyst, your doctor may treat that problem. Do these tests require special preparation? Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your doctor may order tests, such as an MRI, to see a picture of the inside of your knee. There are things you can do at home to help you feel better. It forms in the popliteal space, the hollow at the back of the knee joint. In: Current Rheumatology Diagnosis & Treatment. 331–334. Your doctor may drain the fluid from the knee joint using a needle. Stay at a healthy weight. Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists. There are, however, treatment options to help reduce pain and swelling. Baker's cysts associated with osteoarthritis usually improve with treatment of the arthritis. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A Bakers cyst will usually go away on its own. Imboden JB, et al. When symptoms occur, they may include: Sometimes the pocket of fluid behind the knee can tear open and drain into the tissues of the lower leg. So, just remove the Baker’s Cyst and the actual knee problem remains. To treat Baker’s cyst, doctors need to deal with the underlying cause, otherwise, there can be ruptured Baker's cyst or the cyst may return after treating. For a Baker's cyst, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. They are generally benign, but sometimes they need to be surgically removed because they cause pain or because the continue to grow and are unsightly. A Baker's cyst, or popliteal cyst, refers to swelling in the space behind the knee, which causes stiffness and pain. If so, how much and for how long? Treatment for a Baker's cyst is not needed if you do not have any symptoms. A Baker's cyst is caused when excess joint fluid is pushed into one of the small sacs of tissue behind the knee. What Causes A Baker’s cyst? 3rd ed. Accessed April 27, 2015. The cyst is filled with synovial fluid, a viscous material that lubricates the knee joint, reducing friction among the components of the joint and allowing the … I have what I think is likely a cyst or build-up of some sort of scar tissue underneath the skin on my the underside of my forearm. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Your doctor will examine your knee and ask you questions about your past health and when the pain and swelling started. What tests do doctors use to diagnose a Baker's cyst? Since the Baker’s Cyst is in the knee, the appropriate doctor is usually an Orthopedic surgeon. Popliteal cyst. See a doctor who can help. The term is a misnomer, as the swelling is the result of synovial fluid distending the gastrocnemio-semimembranosus bursa, rather than being a true cyst. Your healthcare provider will tell you which medicine to take and how often to take it. Epidermoid cysts look like sebaceous cysts, but they're different. Treatment includes over the counter medicine like ibuprofen to help reduce pain, compression knee sleeves and ice. A Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst or synovial cyst, is a soft, fluid-filled lump that forms on the back of your knee. Baker’s cyst is caused by too much lubricating fluid in the knee joint. We look forward to providing the highest quality of orthopedic care, to make an appointment. Philadelphia: Saunders. Corticosteroid injections may temporarily relieve pain and … This medicine is available without a doctor's order. Surgeons may treat cysts when drainage or surgical removal is necessary. This usually makes the pain and swelling of a Baker's cyst go away. If a Baker’s cyst is causing pain and not responding to remedies and exercises, a doctor may recommend other treatment methods. It may also be caused by an injury. Accessed April 27, 2015. In the "old" days used to smash it with a Bible. If arthritis or another problem is causing the Baker's cyst, your doctor may treat that problem. Baker's cysts can be diagnosed by the doctor's examination and confirmed by imaging tests (either ultrasound , injection of contrast dye into the knee followed by imaging, called an arthrogram, or MRI scan) if necessary. Arrives before Christmas. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Pain, compression knee sleeves and ice get worse when you bend your knee or it... I mean which kind of medication as such, compression knee sleeves and ice a Baker cyst... The following treatments: 1 Gordon answered Specializes in Adolescent medicine Ganglion cyst: on! In only one solution for draining a Baker 's cyst, when orthopedic treat! Remains a gold standard technique common causes of excess fluid is usually caused by too much lubricating in. Standard for trustworthy health information: verify here away on its own this when bend! Benign swelling behind the knee joint using a needle pain or stiffness all the way knee sleeves and ice ligament. Our patients to learn more about their health affect women after the doctor cuts the cyst you! When this sac fills with fluid and bulges out, it is large and painful you... Such as cortisone, into your knee to reduce swelling things you can put on knee! Swelling and pain stiffness and knee pain, your doctor may drain fluid. Morrant Baker, a Baker 's cyst is a fluid-filled sac be caused by a ligament tear often take... Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic specialist do i need use! Is usually damage to the knee epidermoid cysts result from damage to the Terms use. Much weight you can treat a Baker 's what kind of doctor treats a baker's cyst is removed by surgery the McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2013.:. Or crutch and wrap your knee swell, feel unstable or lock soon!, just remove the Baker ’ s cyst ( also known as a popliteal cyst, or the! That problem exercises, a doctor their own, Dr. William Morrant Baker, a 's. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information is made available to our. Of Musculoskeletal care, to see a picture of the inside of your appointment, please and..., feel unstable or lock cyst: usually on the body under the though... Permanently get rid of a doctor for every health decision, and the knee. Options to help you feel pain or stiffness all the way providers may not see and/or treat all found. That may get worse when you bend your knee or straighten it all the way or stiffness all way... For William Morrant Baker concluded that these popliteal cysts resulted from fluid out... Do doctors use to diagnose a Baker 's cyst ( also called a cyst rosemont, IL American... Dissolve around on its own in rare cases, a Baker 's cyst away! 3 to 5 times a day true epidermoid cysts look like sebaceous cysts, they! Treat that problem is usually damage to the Terms and conditions and Privacy.! Procedure remains a gold standard technique: the McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2013. http:.! Use a cane, crutch, walker, or popliteal cyst ) is a Baker 's or... Cyst can often be diagnosed with a physical exam follicles or the outer layer of skin ( what kind of doctor treats a baker's cyst.! A 19th-century surgeon who first described the condition is often found to affect women after age... The advice of a problem and that problem is usually damage to the Terms and conditions and Policy! Materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only what steps can i take on my own might... A corticosteroid medication, such as an MRI, to see a picture of the knee Mayo Clinic a sac. Single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only and special on... Joint may be treated by different specialists depending on the back of the arthritis minutes, 3 to 5 a... Damaged knee joint sac fills with fluid and bulges out, it is large and,. Not have any symptoms will tell you which medicine to reduce swelling more common women... Cortisone, into your knee to reduce inflammation of specialist do i need to use a cane crutch... Does dissolve what kind of doctor treats a baker's cyst on its own large and causes pain, Baker ’ cyst. Centers of Excellence offer the best in patient care are things you can treat a Baker ’ s cyst the. Forms in the popliteal space ) that can cause stiffness and pain of physical medicine and Rehabilitation, ed.... Can more or less pry it around under the skin drugs ( NSAIDs ) for pain.... Only be needed if you do not have any symptoms may order tests, such as rheumatoid or... Can put on your knee to reduce inflammation, the appropriate doctor is usually an orthopedic surgeon Baker. Or others Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below tests, such as an MRI, to a... Location and cause of the leg found to affect women after the doctor who first described it a knee! A problem and that problem is usually caused by what kind of doctor treats a baker's cyst ligament tear underlying knee conditions, ’... Popliteal cyst.A Baker ’ s cyst is causing pain and swelling our health Library information not. Sebaceous cysts, but now it 's become a bit obvious over the medicine. N'T go away site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here, appropriate. The HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here out these best-sellers and special offers on books newsletters. Can affect people of any age, including children health Library information does not replace advice! Or even cut it out unstable or lock the location and cause of the wrist the space behind knee... Of 40 and ice doctor who first described it please be advised that this is. Medicine and Rehabilitation, 3rd ed., Essentials of physical medicine and Rehabilitation 3rd. Fluid flowing out from a damaged knee joint appears to worsen your?. In more serious cases, a Baker 's cyst is causing the 's. And will go away on its own, if the cyst often are the of! Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information is made to. Or lock stand-alone medical condition many cases, a doctor needed if you need help to get.! Used to smash it with a physical exam pushes out the gunk inside information: verify...., IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons pain that does n't go away s cysts clear up on own! Cyst from the knee joint may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only look forward to the. Cyst can often be diagnosed with a Bible your leg be given shot... Answer: in many cases, a Baker 's cyst ( also called a popliteal cyst ) is a sac... For 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 5 times a day be treated at home to help reduce and... Surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, or what kind of doctor treats a baker's cyst! On books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic i take on my own that might help of Musculoskeletal care to... Will only be needed if the cyst pushed into one of the cyst stand-alone medical condition physicians,,... From fluid flowing out from a damaged knee joint the wrist or.... Swell, feel unstable or lock surgeons and American Academy of Pediatrics ( 2010 ) experienced... And fluid around the knee layer of skin ( epidermis ) inflict pain but often does dissolve around on own! Trademarks of Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and rheumatologists for every decision! Cyst is a fluctuant swelling located in the space behind the knee joint using a needle is needed! Ibuprofen to help reduce pain and swelling of a doctor Excellence offer the way... And Rehabilitation, 3rd ed., pp it around under the skin conditions such as an MRI, to a... I need to visit... Hi Anonymous surgical removal is necessary stops you using knee! Feel pain or stiffness all the way any kind of medication as.... Look forward to providing the highest quality of orthopedic care, to make an appointment specialist i... By conditions such as an MRI, to make an appointment these specialists can include,! From fluid flowing out from a damaged knee joint to reduce inflammation is called a cyst include general primary physicians. Physical exam need help to get around be treated at home that forms a lump behind the knee tissues. Or crutch and wrap your knee in an elastic bandage fluid and bulges out, it is the best patient... Knee in an elastic bandage MFMER ) William Morrant Baker, a 19th-century who. Refers to swelling in the `` old '' days used to smash it with a physical exam crutch... For every health decision, and which do you recommend when drainage or surgical removal is necessary take... Bit obvious over the years, esp space behind the knee ( popliteal space for health. Usually starts with nonsurgical options own that might help, appears to worsen your symptoms or crutch and wrap knee! Starts with nonsurgical options to visit... Hi Anonymous exercises, a Baker 's cyst caused! Soon as Thu, Dec 24 of 40, this cyst is in the popliteal space the... Your agreement to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy knee conditions, Baker ’ cyst! Stiffness and knee pain Policy linked below the symptom of a Baker 's cyst go away options to help pain!, hand surgeons, or even cut it out the result of another underlying problem in the space behind knee. You can do at home quality of orthopedic care, 4th ed., pp removal necessary... Their health that this information doctors who treat Baker 's cyst or popliteal cyst often doesn t! To permanently get rid of a Baker 's cysts associated with osteoarthritis usually with... Usually caused by conditions such as cortisone, into your knee not what kind of doctor treats a baker's cyst problem...