Baker’s Cyst Treatment in Fort Lauderdale

What Is a Baker’s Cyst?

A Baker’s cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is a pocket of joint fluid that bulges into the back of the knee. The knee makes a slippery fluid (synovial fluid) to cushion the joint. When something inside the knee causes extra fluid, it can push through into a small sac behind the knee and form a cyst.

Baker’s cysts are common, especially in adults over 40 with knee arthritis or a meniscus tear. Dr. Gonzalez evaluates Baker’s cysts at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale to find the knee problem behind the cyst, because treating that problem is often what keeps the cyst from coming back.

Baker’s Cyst Symptoms

Many Baker’s cysts cause no symptoms and are found on a scan done for another reason. If your knee also feels swollen, read about knee swelling and fluid on the knee.

How a Baker’s Cyst Is Diagnosed at IROSM

Diagnosis of a Baker’s cyst at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale starts with a knee exam and an in-office ultrasound. Ultrasound shows whether the lump is filled with fluid, how big it is, and whether it has leaked. It also helps rule out a blood clot, which can cause similar calf swelling and needs urgent care.

Not every lump near the knee is a Baker’s cyst. A knee ganglion cyst or parameniscal cyst can look similar, and ultrasound helps tell them apart. X-rays or an MRI may be ordered to check the knee problem behind the cyst.

Baker’s Cyst Treatment in Fort Lauderdale

A Baker’s cyst that causes no symptoms often needs no treatment and may shrink on its own. When it causes pain or pressure, options at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale may include:

Baker’s cyst treatment is not right for every patient, and results vary. Candidacy for drainage is decided at an in-person evaluation.

What Happens If a Baker’s Cyst Ruptures?

A Baker’s cyst can leak or burst, letting fluid run down into the calf. This can cause sudden calf pain, swelling, warmth and redness. Because a blood clot in the leg can look the same, get checked promptly. At IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, ultrasound helps tell a ruptured cyst from other causes. Go to an emergency room for severe swelling, a cold or pale foot, or shortness of breath.

Can You Get a Baker’s Cyst in the Elbow?

The name Baker’s cyst describes a cyst behind the knee, but the same kind of fluid-filled synovial cyst can form near other joints, including the elbow. An elbow synovial cyst is usually linked to wear or inflammation in the joint, such as elbow arthritis. It may show up as a soft lump near the elbow crease or forearm, and a large one can press on nearby nerves.

Dr. Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale uses ultrasound to confirm whether an elbow lump is a synovial cyst and whether it can be drained with image guidance.

Cysts in a Muscle: What They Can Mean

A lump inside or next to a muscle can have several causes. Some are ganglion-type cysts linked to a nearby joint or tendon. Others are pockets of fluid or old blood after a muscle injury, such as a calf muscle tear or hamstring injury. Less often, a lump is a different kind of soft-tissue growth.

Ultrasound is a quick way to see whether a muscle lump is fluid-filled or solid. At IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Gonzalez can check it during your visit. A lump that is growing, hard, painful or deep should always be examined.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baker’s Cysts at IROSM

What is a Baker's cyst?

Can a Baker's cyst go away on its own?

Should a Baker's cyst be drained?

Can you get a Baker's cyst in the elbow?

What does a cyst in a muscle mean?

What happens if a Baker's cyst ruptures?

Is Baker's cyst treatment covered by insurance?

Do I need a referral to be seen at IROSM?

Find Out What That Lump Is

Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale for an in-office ultrasound and a clear plan for your Baker’s cyst or joint lump.