Baker's Cyst: Care Instructions
Overview
A Baker's cyst is a swelling behind the knee. It may cause pain or stiffness when you bend your knee or straighten it all the way. Baker's cysts are also called popliteal cysts.
If you have arthritis or another condition that is the cause of the Baker's cyst, your doctor may treat that condition. This may relieve the pain and swelling.
A Baker's cyst may go away on its own. If not, or if it is causing a lot of discomfort, your doctor may give you a shot of steroid medicine to reduce swelling. In some cases, fluid is drained with a needle or the Baker's cyst is removed in surgery.
There are things you can do at home to reduce the swelling and pain, such as staying off your leg.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Rest your knee as much as possible.
- Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Use a cane, a crutch, a walker, or another device if you need help to get around. These can help rest your knees.
- If you have an elastic bandage, make sure it is snug but not so tight that your leg is numb, tingles, or swells below the bandage. Loosen the bandage if it is too tight.
- Stay at a healthy weight. Being overweight puts extra strain on your knee.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have chest pain, are short of breath, or you cough up blood.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse pain.
- Your foot is cool or pale or changes colour.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your foot or toes.
- You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- New or worse redness or swelling in your leg.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: July 17, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
