Baker's Cyst

A Baker's Cyst could indicate some type of trauma to the knee.  Usually osteoarthritis or a torn meniscus.  That's probably why your doctor is performing an MRI on your knee.  Not to confirm the cyst (he/she already knows what that is), but rather to look for damage to the knee. 

Do a "Google" search for Baker's Cyst to learn more.  Hopefully it's nothing too serious.   Keep us posted.

 Ralph

Hi Meryln,

I had a Baker's Cyst last summer. The Doc thinks I got it from straining too much while exercising on the balance ball.  As I was too short for the size off the balance bar I was working on and overworked trying to keep my toes on the ground.  Think it took about 2 months for it to go away.  Had to stop doing lunges/ anything that would stretch or pull back behind the leg until it was better.  I was told it usually goes away on its own in 2-3 months, if not, it is can be lanced.  I sympathize, it can be extremely painful.  Ice packs helped.

Cheryl

Well, the MRI confirmed--Baker's Cyst about the size of a grape. No other ligament or tendon damage.  It just puts pressure in some tender places back there.  There was a lot of joint fluid floating around in my knee--both behind and in front.  There's minor arthritis in the knees, so combining that with all the pounding from a fairly aggressive couch-to-5k program led to the problem.

Doc decided not to go for lancing it for now. Instead, he shot cortisone into the knee to get it to "settle down."  (Yow! That smarts!) Now just have to rest it for a while, and see if the cyst subsides on its own.

Unfortunately, I was explicitly told to hold off on running and biking for a while.  Looks like I'll be relying on my swim to keep me going, then. Thanks for all the help and the kind words.