1 Answer

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bakers-cyst/DS00448/DSECTION=causes

  A Baker's cyst (Baker cyst), also known as a popliteal cyst is a swelling in the popliteal space - the space behind the knee - causing stiffness and knee pain. The pain typically worsens if the patient fully flexes or extends the knee, or when he/she is moving about. The condition, which has nothing to do with baking, is named after the British surgeon who first described it, Dr. William Morrant Baker (1838-1896).

In most cases, people with a baker's cyst have existing knee joint problems, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear, which causes the knee to produce too much fluid, which may lead to a Baker's cyst.

Most effective relief occurs when the likely underlying problem is treated. Sometimes surgery is needed to drain the cyst.

Baker's cysts affect more women than men, probably because women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Although people of any age may be affected, most patients are over 40 years of age.

As an open communication with the synovial sac is often maintained, a Baker's cyst is not, by definition, a "true" cyst.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary:Baker cyst

is

" a collection of synovial fluid that has escaped from the knee joint or a bursa and formed a new synovial fluid-lined sac in the popliteal space; seen in degenerative or other joint diseases that produce increased amounts of synovial fluid."

What are the signs and symptoms of a Baker's cyst (popliteal cyst)?

A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign.

Some patients may have no pain and may not even notice the cyst is there.

The signs and symptoms of a Baker's cyst include:

• Swelling or lump behind the knee (the main sign) - this is more evident when standing and comparing one knee to the other. It may feel like a water-filled balloon.


• Knee pain


• Calf pain


• Accumulation of fluid around the knee


• The knee joint may click or buckle


• The knee joint may lock

When to see a doctor - anybody who experiences pain and swelling behind the knee should see a doctor. A bulge behind the knee may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an aneurysm or a tumor.

What are the causes of a Baker's cyst (popliteal cyst)?

Our knees are made of bone, tendons and cartilage. The tendons and cartilage need lubrication, which they get in the form of synovial fluid - it helps the legs move smoothly and reduces friction.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184714.php