Popliteal Cyst
Commonly referred to as a Baker’s cyst, a popliteal cyst occurs when there is an over-accumulation of fluid in the popliteal bursa, a small sac behind the knee. Because the bursa behind the knee does not usually suffer from the same injuries as other conditions on this list, those who develop a popliteal cyst are usually suffering from an underlying medical problem, including gout, lupus, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, hemophilia, rheumatoid arthritis, or an injury to the back of the leg.
Signs of popliteal cysts include swelling or a lump behind the knee, pain in the knee affected knee, calf pain, and locking and/or clicking within the joint. Baker’s cysts are usually treated by removing the cyst from the back of the knee, which reduces the pain immediately. Other measures used to treat popliteal cysts include RICE, compression bandages, and crutches. If a popliteal cysts becomes too problematic before surgery, the steroid injections may also be used.
