Baker’s cyst

Need to know

• What are the symptoms of a Baker’s cyst? icon plus

  Baker’s cyst is usually painless. However, sometimes it can become inflamed, which leads to noticeable swelling and should be assessed by your GP or consultant.

  The most common symptoms of Baker’s cysts are:

  • pain in the knee and calf
  • fluid build-up around the knee
  • locking or clicking in the knee joint that only occurs occasionally

  In some cases, a Baker's cyst may not cause any symptoms other than swelling, and will go away on its own without treatment. However, in rare cases it can burst (rupture), causing fluid to leak into your calf. This can result in sharp pain, redness and swelling of the area.

• How is a Baker's cyst diagnosed? icon plus

  Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and can usually diagnose a Baker’s cyst by examining the back of your knee.

  In order to rule out further complications, tests they recommend may include:

  • ultrasound or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging scan) of the knee and your cyst
  • D-dimer test (a special blood test to rule out DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis, where loose pieces of blood clot enter your blood stream)

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Treatment options for Baker’s cyst depends on the extent of the condition and your overall health and fitness.

  These may include:

  • painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve pain and reduce swelling
  • using an ice pack and bandages to reduce swelling by holding them against the affected area for 10-20 minutes at a time
  • draining the cyst
  • resting and elevating the affected calf, if the cyst has ruptured
  • resting your knee joint
  • surgery (known as an arthroscopy) to repair any significant damage around the knee joint, where an instrument known as an arthroscope is used.