Baker’s or popliteal cyst

Posted by ellerbracke @ellerbracke, Oct 11, 2019

Is it possible to develop a baker’s cyst overnight, for nor obvious reason? I woke up this morning with a small lump in back of my knee where there usually is a depression between the tendons. I does not really hurt very much, but it makes it harder to straighten the knee. I did not do anything unusual or especially strenuous yesterday, nor did I hurt or twist my knee in any way.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

@colleenyoung

Hi @terryescobar and welcome to the Joint Replacements group on Mayo Clinic Connect. I moved your message to this existing discussion about Baker's or popliteal cyst so that you can meet others who share this experience like @ellerbracke @candrgonzalez @artscaping @charlena and @IndianaScott.

While we wait for others to chime in, you might be interested in this article:
- 5 Exercises That Can Help You Manage a Baker’s Cyst: https://www.healthline.com/health/bakers-cyst-exercises#1

And also in this discussion:
- Scar tissue after knee replacement https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/scar-tissue-after-knee-replacement/

Terry, you mention that you "couldn't/didn't do the therapy that is required." Was it the pain or fear of pain that held you back? Are you generally an active person or was/is getting active hard to do?

Jump to this post

oh, it was SO very painful ... I've always been an active person.

REPLY
@terryescobar

I've had mine for over 3 years now! Why won't it burst, or something?! Very frustrating.

Jump to this post

Good morning @terryescobar, 3 years is quite a long time. Have you had any guided imaging while the Baker's Cyst was being drained? If so.....then you will see the contact the Baker's Cyst makes with the inside of your knee and how it fills with fluid. When that happens it pushes other tissues in the knee out of the way.....creating a painful disturbance. I had the guided imaging two weeks ago before a trip to Texas. After getting an MFR session, on the following day I massaged the knee and pushed the fluid out myself. I followed the "Chris" massage with ice packs and masked it with medical cannabis.

I still had to use my cane and beg forgiveness for not going out to dinner with the family. So, it is time to look at surgical options. I will do that on June 25th. As far as I know, repair surgery is the only way to get rid of the Baker's Cyst if there is a meniscus tear.

Here is a discussion from the Mayo Clinic about how synovial fluid builds up. Please note that if the cause is arthritis, it may be possible to avoid surgery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bakers-cyst/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369955

I will look for the images so I can upload them for you. Give me some time. I am not the most organized person in this world.

May you have peace and comfort.
Chris

REPLY

Thank you so much for your reply!

REPLY
@artscaping

Good morning @terryescobar, 3 years is quite a long time. Have you had any guided imaging while the Baker's Cyst was being drained? If so.....then you will see the contact the Baker's Cyst makes with the inside of your knee and how it fills with fluid. When that happens it pushes other tissues in the knee out of the way.....creating a painful disturbance. I had the guided imaging two weeks ago before a trip to Texas. After getting an MFR session, on the following day I massaged the knee and pushed the fluid out myself. I followed the "Chris" massage with ice packs and masked it with medical cannabis.

I still had to use my cane and beg forgiveness for not going out to dinner with the family. So, it is time to look at surgical options. I will do that on June 25th. As far as I know, repair surgery is the only way to get rid of the Baker's Cyst if there is a meniscus tear.

Here is a discussion from the Mayo Clinic about how synovial fluid builds up. Please note that if the cause is arthritis, it may be possible to avoid surgery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bakers-cyst/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369955

I will look for the images so I can upload them for you. Give me some time. I am not the most organized person in this world.

May you have peace and comfort.
Chris

Jump to this post

I have not been diagnosed with Baker's cyst, but in the last few months have done edema massage (toes to torso) with my legs, as well as "pumping" heel to toe and other stretches before bed. Helps immensely with the meds I take! Magnesium, heat and cold alternating helps, too. I wear a knee brace and/or compression socks days where I am on my feet or sitting alot.

REPLY

I've had two meniscus surgeries on the same knee over ten years. I also had Bakers cysts come and go over the years. They can push on nerves in the back of your knee like the sciatica. My Ortho keeps giving corticosteroids injections and hoping for the best. I've had knee taps to remove fluid. I feel the cyst enlarges mostly due to the weakness of the bursa from surgeries and is aggravated by movement like extra exercise. I rode my bike only 4 miles one day and that was enough to make it pop out again. I always ice up after doing anything anymore. Good luck.

REPLY

My son has something similar to a bakers cyst but it is on the front of his knee. After an MRI he was told it was a bakers cyst. Do bakers cysts occur on the front of knee? He had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee a few years ago. He also weight trains, until he "tweaked" his back. Could these issues be related? I believe he has an appointment with an orthopedist. Has anyone had a similar issue?

REPLY
@sayremayo5

My son has something similar to a bakers cyst but it is on the front of his knee. After an MRI he was told it was a bakers cyst. Do bakers cysts occur on the front of knee? He had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee a few years ago. He also weight trains, until he "tweaked" his back. Could these issues be related? I believe he has an appointment with an orthopedist. Has anyone had a similar issue?

Jump to this post

Have not heard of Baker's cysts on front of knees. I have one on the back of each knee and have had them for some time, only one hurts at times, not sure how big they are. I have had cysts on my scalp, small ones, but got them both removed without any problems.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.