Baker's cyst in children

Need to know

• What are the symptoms of a Baker's cyst in children? icon plus

  Usually, a child with a cyst will have no symptoms other than the visible lump at the back of their knee. This lump normally goes away on its own. In other cases, a Baker's cyst may lead to other symptoms, like:

  • a feeling of tightness behind the knee
  • a build-up of fluid around the knee
  • pain in the calf and knee
  • an ache in the knee
  • clicking in the knee

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

  Your GP or consultant will usually be able to make a diagnosis by discussing your child's symptoms and examining the cyst.
  
  They will let you know if they need to carry out further tests to rule out other conditions. Additional tests might include an MRI or ultrasound scan.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  If your child's cyst isn't causing any symptoms, treatment may not be necessary, as the cyst will often go away on its own. Your GP or consultant may recommend over-the-counter medicines or advise you on how to treat the cyst at home. Depending on the nature of your child's cyst, your GP or consultant may recommend draining the cyst or surgery (if the cyst has caused any significant damage around the knee).