Q: My wife has Baker’s cysts at the back of both knees. What is the cause and cure?
A: A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind the knee. It is usually the result of a problem with your knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. When pressure builds up, fluid bulges into the back of the knee.
In most cases, a Baker’s cyst will go away when the condition causing it has been treated. If the cyst is painful, the goal of treatment is to correct the problem, such as arthritis or a meniscus tear.
It’s important to treat the underlying cause of the problem, such as arthritis, to prevent further development of the cyst. If all other treatment fails, surgery may be done to correct the cause of the cyst or to excise the cyst itself.
— Answer from Dr. Charles, a physician on JustAnswer.
Daily Answer is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided by a Expert on JustAnswer.
