Baker's Cyst: Curse or Annoyance?

   I was asked about Baker's Cyst by one of my regular readers, Gerry D.Z. Gerry D. Z. leads an active life. He is an outdoor enthusiast, an environmentalist, a stage actor (drama and musicals), and a former rock band singer. Lately this active lifestyle has been hampered by a knee ailment known as a Baker's Cyst which is also called as a Popliteal Cyst. 
   A cyst is a sac of tissue filled with fluid, pus or gas. A Baker's Cyst occurs behind the knee with fluid accumulation in the sac. The name comes from Dr. William Morrant Baker who first diagnosed this condition during the 19th century. The fluid comes from synovial fluid draining from the knee into the bursa where the gastrocnemius muscle of the calf and the semimembranosus muscle of the hamstring cross the posterior of the knee in an area known as the popliteal fossa..
   The symptoms of a Baker's Cyst include:

• Swelling on the backside of the knee
• Ping pong ball sized bump or cyst
• Stiffness 
• Decreased range of motion
• If the Baker's Cyst ruptures there may be swelling or even discoloration in the lower calf muscles.
• Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms. 
• The actual reality is that a Baker's Cyst is usually a symptom in itself of some other knee condition.

   There are numerous risk factors that can lead to the development of a Baker's Cyst:

• Knee problems such as sprains, strains, ligament tears.
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cartilage injuries - especially meniscus tears.
• Muscle imbalances that can create knee issues.

Treatment usually depends upon the severity of the cyst:

• If there are no symptoms the cyst may subside on its own
• The cyst can be drained by a doctor
• A cortisone shot can be administered at the location of the cyst
• Cortisone is also a usual treatment for a ruptured Baker's Cyst
• The Baker's Cyst often reoccurs if the mechanism of knee stress or injury is still present.
• Muscle imbalances that can cause strain sprains or tears should be remedied.
• Cartilage issues should also be repaired or the cyst can return

   My faithful reader, Gerry D.Z. found relief from draining, cortisone and a natural remedy known as the Osmo Patch. However his Baker's Cyst keeps returning. He may need further medical advice to determine if mechanical issues affecting his knee are the culprit.

 Rarely is a Bakers's Cyst dangerous or  overly debilitating. What is important is to be sure it actually is a cyst. Have a doctor rule out the possibility of a blood clot or a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).  The important point to remember is that the conditions affecting the knee cause the Bakers Cyst. Remedy the knee issues and the Baker's Cyst should disappear.

Gerry D.Z. (right) in an Edmonton historical musical.
Let's stabilize that knee to keep you in the stand-up roles..

Stay fit my friends.....

Little Bobby Strong

References

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baker%27s_cyst
https://www.healthline.com/health/bakers-cyst

Links

www.fitnwell.com
www.hwsafaris.ca

www.rabbitview.com