HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes A Baker’s Cyst On The Leg?

On Jan.29 I went to ER and had an ultrasound on left leg/knee. Ruled out worse case. Said it is a Baker s Cyst. Very painful to walk. No pain when sitting but getting up is difficult. The same symptoms are now in the right leg. Feel pain always when walking.Take Advil or Aleve every 8 hours. Ice every night and elevate. Two months and only getting worse. Seeing a ortho Dr. next week but would like some info as to what could be causing this. No injury. 53 years old. Overweight by 30lbs.
Thu, 28 Apr 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
A baker's cyst is a a fluid filled pocket behind your knee.This is also called popliteal cyst.

The excess fluid is usually caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis that irritate the knee. It may also be caused by an injury.In your case obesity also may be the cause.

symptoms are,
Tightness or stiffness behind the knee.
Swelling behind the knee that may get worse when you stand.
Slight pain behind the knee and into the upper calf. You are most likely to feel this when you bend your knee or straighten it all the way.
sometimes pocket of fluid drain to lower leg tissue due to rupture may cause redness and severe pain.

Treatments usually pain killer,and have to treat the cause for the bakers cyst,elastic bandage around your knee,resting to knee,drain the fluid with a needle,shot of steroid medicine,rarely it may needs surgery.

Anyhow dont worry,this is not that serious condition if your taking proper treatment. In your case i suggest you take steps to reduce weight and to stay at healthy weigh.


I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes A Baker’s Cyst On The Leg?

A baker s cyst is a a fluid filled pocket behind your knee.This is also called popliteal cyst. The excess fluid is usually caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis that irritate the knee. It may also be caused by an injury.In your case obesity also may be the cause. symptoms are, Tightness or stiffness behind the knee. Swelling behind the knee that may get worse when you stand. Slight pain behind the knee and into the upper calf. You are most likely to feel this when you bend your knee or straighten it all the way. sometimes pocket of fluid drain to lower leg tissue due to rupture may cause redness and severe pain. Treatments usually pain killer,and have to treat the cause for the bakers cyst,elastic bandage around your knee,resting to knee,drain the fluid with a needle,shot of steroid medicine,rarely it may needs surgery. Anyhow dont worry,this is not that serious condition if your taking proper treatment. In your case i suggest you take steps to reduce weight and to stay at healthy weigh.