Why does bakers cyst rupture

But sometimes the knee produces too much synovial fluid, resulting in buildup of fluid in an area on the back of your knee popliteal bursa , causing a Baker's cyst. This can happen because of:. These signs and symptoms closely resemble those of a blood clot in a vein in your leg. If you have swelling and redness of your calf, you'll need prompt medical evaluation to rule out a more serious cause of your symptoms.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Baker's cyst Open pop-up dialog box Close. Baker's cyst Swelling on the back of one knee may be a Baker's cyst. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Your doctor will most likely recommend that you keep your calf elevated. They might also suggest applying ice to the back of the knee. Some doctors may also prescribe painkillers, although over-the-counter painkillers are usually sufficient. After a physical examination, your doctor might decide to drain aspirate the cyst. Yours doctor will also want to address the underlying condition that caused the cyst.

A popliteal cyst, also known as a Baker's cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that causes a lump at the back of the knee. A cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue containing fluid or other substances. It can grow almost anywhere in the body or under skin.

Discover 14 types…. Perineural cysts, also known as Tarlov cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that form on nerves at the base of spine. A recessed maxilla can cause cosmetic issues like flat cheekbones and a prominent jaw, and lead to dental problems, speech issues, and obstructed…. If you do tear a meniscus, you might be tempted to "walk it off. Surgically removing a Baker's cyst is not easy because, unlike other types of cyst, they do not 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, known as an 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. Page last reviewed: 04 October Next review due: 04 October Treatment - Baker's cyst Contents Overview Treatment. Self care To treat a Baker's cyst you can: take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen , to reduce swelling and pain in the affected knee hold an ice pack to your knee for minutes to reduce any swelling — try a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel never put ice directly on your skin rest your knee joint wear a knee support — you can buy these from a pharmacy Further treatment See your GP for further treatment if your cyst still causes problems after you've tried the self-care treatments.