Baker's cyst | Mumsnet

MrsPerfect12 · 2023-02-19T20:45:06+00:00

I think I might have a bakers cyst (Google) I have swelling behind the knee and my knee feels a bit loose when walking, my calf is extremely tight and my bend is reducing by the day currently less that 45deg, I can't feel an actual lump but I can only assume that's what it is. Has anyone had one before? Does it heal by itself? I'm not sure how this has happened but I'm a regular at the gym. I'm already taking diclofenac and codene for another injury but I'm still in pain.

HeavensToBetsy1 · 19/02/2023 20:51

I had one, it eventually ruptured and leaked a lot of fluid into my calf that took a lot of physio to get rid of. I had the tightness and swelling for quite a while I had an MRI to help locate what was going on and help draining my lymph nodes. That took ages. Basically there was so much fluid my lymph couldn't drain it without manual help. It's a nasty process to go through. The physio was amazing. I'm still working on getting the strength back.
Wishing you luck with yours.

Original poster

MrsPerfect12 · 19/02/2023 21:05

Thank you for your reply @HeavensToBetsy1
did you have a visible lump?
wishing you well with your recovery.

OP posts:

HeavensToBetsy1 · 19/02/2023 21:29

Yes unfortunately, a visible lump and what looked like bruising on the back of my knee for ages, months and months. They're rotten things. I still need ibuprofen from time to time.
Wishing you well with it.

Helenahandkart · 19/02/2023 21:47

I have one of these. It showed up on an MRI, but was accompanied by a torn cruciate ligament and some arthritis of my knee joint and knee cap, so I never really pinned down how much pain was due to the cyst itself.
It is now at least 5 years since I was told about it and, despite having had knee physio since then, no one has ever suggested that it’s a major problem.
I still have knee pain but it has reduced a huge amount since I lost weight.
I don’t know if the cyst is still there or not, but it hasn’t been a significant problem.

Helenahandkart · 19/02/2023 21:49

I did find it difficult to kneel down at one point, and always felt that my fat legs were hampering me, but perhaps it was the cyst. Either way, it’s much better now.

SgtBilko · 20/02/2023 19:17

I’ve had a recurring one and have had both fluid removed and a steroid injection. It helped. Sympathies though as they are very painful, especially if they burst.

Original poster

MrsPerfect12 · 21/02/2023 19:57

I've been struggling with the pain today, even cried a few times. I had a call with the physio today but I'm being seen in person tomorrow morning to see exactly what's going on.

OP posts:

SgtBilko · 21/02/2023 22:36

They can be very painful. Do ask the physio if you can have a steroid injection or fluid aspirated.

NervousBohemian · 02/09/2023 09:17

Hi I know this is an old thread but just wondered OP if your knee problem resolved. For a few days I've had a feeling of tightness behind my knee. It's not swollen or inflamed but Dr Google also pointed me in the direction of a Bakers cyst (or DVT 🙄). My calf is fine although feeling a little achy after walking for a while but it's behind my knee which is concerning. It's tight like I can't really straighten it and it get worse as the day goes on.
I know mumsnet isn't the place to ask but as someone who actually had hypochondriacal disorder documented on her nhs records it puts me off seeking help 😂

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 02/09/2023 09:24

NervousBohemian · 02/09/2023 09:17

Hi I know this is an old thread but just wondered OP if your knee problem resolved. For a few days I've had a feeling of tightness behind my knee. It's not swollen or inflamed but Dr Google also pointed me in the direction of a Bakers cyst (or DVT 🙄). My calf is fine although feeling a little achy after walking for a while but it's behind my knee which is concerning. It's tight like I can't really straighten it and it get worse as the day goes on.
I know mumsnet isn't the place to ask but as someone who actually had hypochondriacal disorder documented on her nhs records it puts me off seeking help 😂

I've got one that's shown up on an MRI.

Can't say though how much it hursts as the MRI was for my meniscus which it confirmed are torn and I also have Patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Waiting to see a Doctor at the Hospital.

Original poster

MrsPerfect12 · 02/09/2023 21:07

NervousBohemian · 02/09/2023 09:17

Hi I know this is an old thread but just wondered OP if your knee problem resolved. For a few days I've had a feeling of tightness behind my knee. It's not swollen or inflamed but Dr Google also pointed me in the direction of a Bakers cyst (or DVT 🙄). My calf is fine although feeling a little achy after walking for a while but it's behind my knee which is concerning. It's tight like I can't really straighten it and it get worse as the day goes on.
I know mumsnet isn't the place to ask but as someone who actually had hypochondriacal disorder documented on her nhs records it puts me off seeking help 😂

Hi, I'm the OP. I did have a bakers cyst which had ruptured and torn meniscus. I have never felt pain like it.
The bakers cyst was left as the fluid drains away itself since it was already burst and I had surgery for the meniscus back in May. I'm recovering well now.

OP posts:

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 02/09/2023 21:19

I had surgery for the meniscus back in May. I'm recovering well now.

That's good to hear. Can I ask how long it was before you could drive? I'm dreading that bit.

Original poster

MrsPerfect12 · 03/09/2023 22:03

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 02/09/2023 21:19

I had surgery for the meniscus back in May. I'm recovering well now.

That's good to hear. Can I ask how long it was before you could drive? I'm dreading that bit.

This time I was driving within two days. My right knee was two and a half weeks. So no clear answer there.

OP posts:

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 04/09/2023 07:43

Thanks @MrsPerfect12