Tulsa World: Baker's cyst is often the result of problem with the knee joint

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Baker's cyst is often the result of problem with the knee joint

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association
Published: 11/6/2009 2:19 AM
Last Modified: 11/6/2009 5:32 AM

Dear Dr. Gott: I was bothered by a large Baker's cyst after an injury to my left knee. I needed surgery to repair my knee, and my doctor said the cyst would disappear on its own after my knee got better. Well, my knee improved, but the cyst got worse. I just dealt with the pain and hoped it would go away as the doctor said.

Well, one day, a year and a half later, I was enjoying playing with my grandchildren in the lake. I twisted my knee a little, felt it pop, experienced enormous pain, and fell into the shallow water. I couldn't get up for about 30 minutes.

I thought I was in big trouble and was going to have the surgery for sure. I felt the pain all that night, but to my surprise, it was gone the next morning. Eight months later, I remain pain-free, and the knot on the back of my knee is gone as well.

I believe when I twisted my knee, it ruptured the cyst, and staying in the cool water helped.

Dear Reader: A Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is often the result of a problem with the knee joint, such as a tear or arthritis. When this occurs, too much synovial fluid is produced, resulting in a cyst.

There are instances in which fluid can leak into the calf. This appears to be what happened to you. Usually, medical attention is necessary to help evaluate the symptoms of a ruptured cyst, because they can be similar to those of a blood clot in your leg.

Lifestyle changes will go a long way toward relieving pain for many sufferers. They include a reduction in physical activity; over-the-counter aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen; rest, compression and elevation of the knee area; and icing of the joint. A substitute for an ice pack in the middle of the night just might be a bag of peas from the freezer wrapped around the joint.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016. By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association

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