Popliteal cyst
Treatment for a Baker's cyst isn't needed if you don't have any symptoms. Any symptoms you have can be treated at home.
Further treatment will only be needed if the cyst stops you using your knee or causes persistent pain.
To treat a Baker's cyst you can:
See your GP for further treatment if your cyst still causes problems after you've tried the above treatments.
One treatment option is to inject corticosteroid medication directly into the affected knee to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
A Baker's cyst can often rupture (burst), resulting in fluid leaking down into your calf. This causes a sharp pain in your calf which becomes red, swollen and tight.
The fluid will gradually be reabsorbed into the body within a few weeks. The recommended treatment for a ruptured cyst is rest and elevation (keeping the affected calf raised).
Prescription painkillers usually a combination of paracetamol and codeine can also be used to control any pain. See your GP for a prescription.
In some cases, it may be possible to drain (aspirate) a Bakers cyst. However, it may not be possible to aspirate long-term (chronic cysts) because they're made of jelly.
Surgically removing a Bakers cyst isn't easy because unlike other types of cyst, they dont have a lining.
Surgery may be needed to repair your knee joint if it's significantly damaged as a result of an injury or a condition such as osteoarthritis .
A type of keyhole surgery called arthroscopy is usually used. The surgeon will use an instrument called an arthroscope to look inside your knee joint. Small surgical instruments can be used alongside the arthroscope to repair any damage.
A Baker's cyst, also called apopliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that develops at the back of the knee. Knee damage caused by a Sports injuries or a blow to the knee can lead to a Baker's cyst developing.
Treatment for a Baker's cyst isn't needed if you don't have any symptoms. Further treatment will only be needed if you're unable to use your knee. Surgically removing a Bakers cyst isn't easy because they dont have a lining.