A Baker cyst is a small swelling, caused by fluid coming from the knee joint, a swelling located behind the knee, in the popliteal area. When a large amount of fluid in the knee joint is compressed, through the weight of the body, between the bones of the knee joint, the fluid ends up separating from the joint forming a sack.

Any knee injury causes an increase in the amount of synovial fluid in the joint. Normally, synovial fluid allows the joint to slide properly and also provides it with the necessary nutritional intake. In the Baker cyst situation, the knee joint trying to better lubricate the knee when it suffers from an injury, produces excess inflammation fluid. The pressure in the joint increases and the surrounding connective tissue relaxes, causing the accumulation of a formation full of fluid. The Baker cyst is formed at the level of the most sensitive area of the joint capsule, in the popliteal area.

The Baker cyst occurs secondary to another knee injury, for example, a torn ligament or meniscal injury. Also, frequently, it can be formed following knee surgery or secondary to an inflammatory disease or gonarthrosis. Between the joint cavity of the knee and the cyst, a "valve effect" controlled by flexion and extension of the knee is created, thus contributing to the collection of synovial fluid in the popliteal fossa.

For a correct diagnosis it may be necessary to perform an MRI scan.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories help reduce inflammation and minimize the pressure felt in the knee joint, but are recommended for short periods of time, 7-14 days maximum. Sometimes a Baker cyst can be treated by removing excess fluid from the knees with the help of a cortisone injection, accompanied or not by fluid drainage. This treatment quickly reduces inflammation, but, the popliteal area being an area with many important blood vessels that must be avoided, makes the cortisone injection still risky.

Locally applied ice is one of the best remedies against Baker cyst. But it is a long-term treatment, up to 2-4 weeks, in sessions of 5-10 minutes, 3-5 times a day. Always put a thin towel between the ice and the area on which it is applied.

Performing physical exercise helps reduce inflammation of the knee.

Thus, toning exercises (strengthening) for the muscles around the knee joint, help disperse the fluid and attenuate the subsequent accumulation of pressure and fluids.

Physical exercises that involve muscle stretching improve mobility in the knee joint. Physiotherapy, and especially ultrasound and laser, contribute to the reduction of inflammation.

Removal of the Baker cyst by surgery is a rarely used treatment option because most often the cyst appears secondary to another knee injury. Thus, it is possible to intervene surgically, to treat the underlying condition that led to the formation of the cyst, such as ligament or meniscus injuries, secondarily leading to the resorption of the Baker cyst.

➢ Frequent rest of the legs throughout the day helps alleviate inflammation and prevent additional pressure on the knees.
➢ During rest, some ice can be applied to the back of the knee to reduce inflammation.
➢ Elevation can be helpful, so try, when resting, to lift your foot on a pillow or support, preferably above heart level.
➢ When standing for long periods of time, compression stockings that cover the knee, ensure good blood circulation.
➢ Avoid any excess of aerobic gymnastics, jogging or weight exercise until the cyst is completely healed so as not to cause undue pressure in the knee area.

There are also situations when the Baker cyst disappears by itself, without additional treatment, especially in people whose body is able to recover quickly after an injury.