Baker's cyst of the knee joint and how to treat it

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Baker's cyst of the knee joint and how to treat it
Baker's cyst of the knee joint and how to treat it
Anonim
Baker's cyst of the knee
Baker's cyst of the knee

The term "Baker's cyst of the knee" in medicine refers to a small formation in the popliteal fossa filled with synovial fluid (which acts as a lubricant for the knee joint). Symptoms of this disease can be different. To date, there are several ways to treat cysts. But before we consider them, let's find out the causes of such an unpleasant disease.

Anatomy

Why does a Baker's cyst develop in the knee? First, let's remember how the knee works. It is completely covered by the articular capsule, which, in turn, is surrounded by a synovial membrane. Also nearby are burses - small sacs with synovial fluid. Their main purpose is to reduce friction and create maximum range of motion. In addition, each joint has an inner and outer meniscus, a tissue “pad” of cartilage that cushions the pressure of the thigh on the lower leg.

Causes and ways of developing pathology

A Baker's cyst of the knee joint can form in two ways. Depending on this, it is primary and secondary. The first option can occur in a person with perfectly he althy legs, even in a child. Doctors note that this variety is determined by the peculiarities of the structure of the knee: the joint and the popliteal bursa are connected by a thin channel through which fluid can leak.

Baker's cyst treatment
Baker's cyst treatment

Secondary Baker's cyst of the knee occurs against the background of other diseases. Among the most common causes, experts call arthritis, arthrosis and a torn meniscus. It should be noted that this type of cyst (secondary) is more common. In this case, an excess of synovial fluid is produced inside the joint, the pressure inside the capsule increases, it stretches and, as a result, begins to bulge behind the knee.

Risk group

People with knee problems are usually diagnosed sooner or later with a Baker's cyst. Treatment in this case should be directed not only to the elimination of this pathology, but also to the main disease, whether it be osteoarthritis, rheumatism or gout. In addition, in some cases, a cyst forms in children between the ages of four and seven.

Symptomatics

In a fairly large number of patients, the cyst develops completely asymptomatically, and is not even always detected by a doctor during a routine examination. It is natural that the larger the formation in size, the easier it is to detect it. In general, the main symptom of a cyst is a small elastic swelling behind the knee. The larger it becomes, the more difficult it is for a person to bend a leg, stand up, sit down, and even just walk.

Baker's cyst of the knee
Baker's cyst of the knee

Complications

The worst thing that can happen is the rupture of the cyst. This phenomenon leads to the fact that the synovial fluid seeps into the calf muscle, and the lower leg swells and hurts a lot. Some doctors believe that Baker's cyst and deep vein thrombosis are connected.

Therapy

If you are diagnosed with a Baker's cyst of the knee, treatment should begin immediately. As noted above, if it developed against the background of other diseases, it is necessary to eliminate the main cause. You can get rid of the pain syndrome with the help of special compression stockings and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although drug treatment is considered not the most successful option. Drainage is much more effective, that is, removing fluid from the joint with a special thick needle, as well as surgery.

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