How does a baker’s cyst develop?
Synovial fluid normally circulates throughout the knee and passes in and out of various tissue pouches, called bursae. A valve-like system between the knee joint and the bursa on the back of the knee regulates the amount of synovial fluid moving in and out of the bursa. Sometimes the knee produces too much synovial fluid, such as when the joint is inflamed due either to one of several types of arthritis or to a knee injury, especially a cartilage tear. This damage or injury within the knee causes swelling, with the synovial fluid pumped from the knee to the fluid-filled sac, which the affected individual experiences as a baker’s cyst. What are the symptoms of a baker’s cyst? Although a baker’s cyst may cause no symptoms, it is often associated with knee pain and/or tightness behind the knee, especially when the knee is extended or fully flexed. The cysts are usually visible as a bulge behind the knee, which is particularly noticeable when standing and when compared to the other, uninvo
