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The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) was formed in 1991 to fill a void that has existed in sports medicine from its earliest beginnings. The founders most recognized and expert sports medicine specialists realized that while there are several physician organizations which support sports medicine, there has not been a forum specific for primary care non-surgical sports medicine physicians.
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- Spinal Injuries
- Hip Injuries
- Forefoot Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Heel Injuries
- Midfoot / Arch Injuries
- Lower Leg Injuries - Calf & Soleus
- Upper Leg Injuries - Hamstring
- Medications
- Shoulder Injuries
- Ribcage / Chest Injuries
- Abdominal Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Elbow Injuries
- Hand Injuries
- Lower Leg Injuries - Achilles
- Ankle Injuries
- Upper Leg Injuries - Quadriceps
- Groin Injuries
- Lower Leg Injuries - Shin
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Baker's Cyst on Knee - Member Case Study
Well I have had a knee issue and it seems to be acting up again, Nobody has really been able to tell me what it is other then a Baker’s cyst.
Question from gj50:
Well I have had a knee issue and it seems to be acting up again, Nobody has really been able to tell me what it is other then a Baker’s cyst. But it is pain right behind my knee and it seems to be the worst when sprinting and when I am sitting and then go to a standing position. I have had a treatment called ASTM on it, and it seemed to help some, but I don't really know what else to do. I have had an MRI and it just showed the cyst!! Can you give me some insight on what it could be or what I should do?
Answer:
If a Baker’s cyst has been identified, the cause of the pain may be the cyst or some other underlying problem in the knee. Baker’s cysts are a result of a tear in the joint capsule of the knee. Common causes of this disruption are tears of the meniscus, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). Consequently, the cyst may be the result, or manifestation, of another problem. If the problem associated with the Baker’s cyst continues to cause symptoms with activity, it may have to be addressed with arthroscopic surgery to treat the underlying problem and the cyst. Addressing only the problem of the cyst does not correct the cause. Though the MRI by your report did not show any other associated problem, there is likely a structural cause of the cyst the MRI could not identify. Baker’s cysts can also rupture causing acute, but self-limited symptoms in the back of the knee and radiating down the calf. This solves the problem of the cyst, but does not solve the problem within the joint.
Though less common, a ganglion cyst in the knee can also cause a cystic appearance on MRI.
If your symptoms continue to interfere with your current level of activity, see your sports physician to consider further investigation or possible arthroscopy.
Rob Johnson, M.D.
Minneapolis, MN
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