Definition and etiology of the disease
Baker's cyst is a benigna tumor-like formation located in the popliteal fossa. It is dense to the touch, but at the same time soft. The surrounding tissues in this pathology look healthy. Their color is physiological. Baker's cyst is clearly visible only when the leg is straightened at the knee joint, while when bent it practically disappears. The size of the cyst can be very different. The largest cysts can be the cause of chronic swelling of the knee. When a cyst appears, the patient may present many complaints. In most cases, the appearance of a cyst under the knee is a consequence of the unfavorable course of some other disease, for example, osteoarthritis, joint injury, cartilage damage, osteoarthritis, degenerative changes in the meniscus, rheumatoid arthritis, patellofemoral arthrosis, chronic synovitis, cartilage damage. Often, a cyst can appear for no reason. Most often, this pathology develops in elderly people and athletes as a result of multiple injuries. But it can affect people of any age. The knee is the most frequently damaged bone. This area has many ligaments, tendons, which often leads to serious consequences (disability, temporary loss of ability to work).
The main symptoms of a knee cyst
In case of Baker's cyst of the knee joint, the maincomplaints are: pain in this area, swelling in the popliteal fossa, periodically occurring blockades of the knee joint, difficulty in movement, a feeling of pressure and stiffness in the knee joint. In addition, one can observe formidable complications of the underlying disease, for example, a rupture of a knee joint cyst. Its mechanism is based on the action of high pressure in this area of the knee. If the knee joint cyst is large, it can compress soft tissues and nerves. The tibial nerve is most often affected. All this leads to pain, and sometimes immobilization of the limb. Another complication is the occurrence of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis in the affected knee and the entire limb. In this case, both deep and subcutaneous vessels are affected. All this leads to blood stagnation, swelling, and high blood pressure. Leg pain in the normal course is an inconstant symptom, more often occurring with complications, therefore it is not considered a main one. In children, this pathology is rare.
Diagnosis of the knee cyst
How is Baker's cyst diagnosed?Diagnostics includes a mandatory survey of the patient. The main complaints of the victim are taken into account. Of great importance is the collection of anamnesis of the disease and anamnesis of life. The presence of injuries, the circumstances of the onset of the disease, the profession of the victim - all this plays a large role in the final diagnosis. After the survey, it is advisable to conduct an external examination. Particular attention is paid to the mobility of the joint and the presence of swelling. The amplitude of limb movement is also important. The next stage is instrumental and laboratory research. There are several main methods. The first of them is ultrasound. Equivalent to it is the use of computed tomography. The neoplasm in the popliteal fossa is determined on the screen. Diaphanoscopy is also recommended. This procedure is based on the use of light to determine the presence of fluid in the cyst cavity. Light is passed through the affected area, and the result is viewed on the screen. Magnetic resonance imaging provides valuable data. With its help, it is possible to determine the contours and sizes of the cyst, to identify meniscus injuries. And the last method is arthrography (X-ray of the knee), which is important for excluding similar diseases, such as arthritis and degenerative changes.
Cyst Baker: treatment of the disease
After the final price has been posteddiagnosis, it is necessary to treat this disease. Joint cysts can be treated with both folk remedies and medications. Most often, they are treated conservatively. For this, hormonal injections are used directly into the joint itself, pumping out fluid from the cavity. Of the hormonal drugs, it is advisable to use hydrocortisone, diprospan. Anti-inflammatory ointments and compresses give a good effect. Physiotherapy procedures are singled out separately as therapy. Of the folk remedies, it is recommended to use compresses from elderberry and raspberry. To do this, take the leaves of the plants in equal proportions and insist in 100 ml of boiling water for about half an hour. After this, the mass of leaves is removed and applied to the damaged area for about 2 hours. The procedure is repeated until the patient's well-being improves and he is cured. Cyst therapy also includes the use of golden mustache. This medicinal plant (its leaves) must be crushed and filled with them two-thirds of a 3-liter jar. You need to fill the jar with water, close it and keep it in a dark place for at least 20 days. After this time, strain the infusion. Both the leaves and the infusion are suitable for treatment. The leaves are used as compresses, and the liquid is drunk 2 tablespoons several times a day. If conservative and folk methods are ineffective, then you need to see a doctor. In complicated cases, surgery may be necessary. It is quite simple and lasts about half an hour. The patient can only walk on the 5th day.
Complicated course of the disease
In most cases, the cyst does not requirespecial therapy, it resolves on its own in 2-3 years. If this does not happen, then a set of treatment and rehabilitation measures may be needed. This may include drainage of fluid from the joint, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, wearing a special elastic bandage, aspiration of fluid, drug blockades and, of course, surgery. Based on all of the above, we can conclude that a cyst is not a serious disease, but it is dangerous due to possible complications, developing against the background of an existing pathology, more often in elderly people and athletes.
