Skip to main content

Baker’s Cyst

A Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a condition of the knee where the bursa sac in the back of the knee becomes inflamed and fills with fluid.

popliteal cyst

Medical Illustration: Knee

Treatment For A Baker’s Cyst

Patients often report swelling or fluid that is felt behind the knee. This is sometimes accompanied by stiffness or difficulty flexing the knee.

Treatment for a Baker’s cyst begins with ruling out any other potential causes such as a meniscus tear, strain of the calf muscle, or osteoarthritis of the knee. Aspiration of the fluid may be necessary and provides symptomatic relief. If aspiration is not indicated, patients are placed on a short course of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, etc.) and physical therapy if needed.

Follow Dr. Snibbe on Instagram

Get Started Send Us A Message

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.