Baker’s cyst also known as (Popliteal cyst) can form when your knee produces too much synovial fluid. The excess fluid causes the bursa behind the knee to expand and bulge by adding pressure on structures at the back of the knee. Swelling behind the knee is a common finding and is sometimes accompanied by pain.
What are Symptoms of a Baker’s Cyst?
- Lump or swelling behind the knee
- Aching behind the knee
- Increased pain with straightening the knee
What causes Bakers Cyst’s?
A Baker’s cyst is the result of joint damage that causes swelling in the knee. Examples of damage can include:
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid)
- Direct damage to the knee (meniscus tear or ligament tear)
- Inflammation or Gout
Treatment Options for Baker’s Cyst
Firstly reduce swelling and Inflammation.
Activity Modification – Reduce or modify the activity that is causing your pain. Your East Perth Trained Physio will be able to assist you with creating alternatives in the short term so not aggravate your knee. Making these changes in the short term will increase the chance of you returning to your chosen sport or what keeps you physically active sooner and be able to maintain in the long term.
Ice, Compression and Elevation – Make time to elevate the leg with the knee above the heart, apply some ice and add compression to the knee to help reduce the swelling. Be sure to not rest for extended periods of time. Shutting everything down and doing nothing for 2 weeks won’t help you at all. This cycle will only have you return to the very thing that aggravated your knee without any intervention.
Strength and Balance – Your East Perth Trained Physio will work with you to identify specific strength and balance deficits. Keep in mind, pain at your knee will bring about reductions in strength, with extended period of time in pain will more than likely bring about compensated movement patterns. Restoring strength around the leg and normalising the way you move will help both in the short and long term, especially if you are wanting to return to the gym or sport.
Trained Physio Can Help
Our East Perth Trained Physio’s can provide a thorough assessment of your current and previous training, taking into account all lifestyle factors that may be adding to your injury or pain state. A full body and movement assessment will identify any weakness, imbalances or loading issues and can provide you with movement retraining and strength and conditioning programming and load management advice to keep you training and prevent or resolve any current pain or injuries.
East Perth Trained Physio
Did you know at Trained Physio we have a fully equipped rehabilitation facility? Check out the details here. Physiotherapy has several goals including promote healing, reduce pain, avoiding aggravation, optimising physical function and global strengthening to restore normal movement patterns. To see how I can help you BOOK ONLINE TODAY
Written by: Matthew Finberg
BSc. Physiotherapy
Masters in Sports Physiotherapy
Masters in Exercise Rehabilitation Science
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