What Is a Knee Cyst?
A cyst located on the knee is sometimes also called a Baker’s cyst or a popliteal cyst. Cysts are small growths, typically filled with fluid or air. Baker’s cysts are typically benign, or not harmful. While they are not cancerous, some of them may be painful. Some knee cysts are caused by the overproduction of synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is a substance that lubricates the parts of the joints to reduce friction and wear-and-tear. Too much synovial fluid can accumulate into a knee cyst. Overproduction of it may be caused by inflammation of the knee, which is often associated with arthritis. It may also be caused by a direct injury to the joint, which may cause a tear in the cartilage.
