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Baker's Cyst

A Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that forms behind the knee. It occurs when excess joint fluid leaks out due to inflammation or injury. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially when the knee is fully flexed or extended. At RAD Clinics, we provide ultrasound-guided cortisone injections for precise, minimally invasive treatment, offering effective relief from Baker’s cyst symptoms.

Person holding their knee with visible redness, indicating pain or discomfort from a Baker's Cyst.

Causes of Baker's Cyst

  • Knee joint conditions: Arthritis or cartilage tears often lead to excessive fluid production, contributing to cyst formation.
  • Injury: Trauma or overuse can result in inflammation and cyst development.

Symptoms of Baker's Cyst

  • Swelling and a visible lump behind the knee.
  • Stiffness and restricted knee movement.
  • Pain that worsens during activity or prolonged standing.

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee joint contains synovial fluid for lubrication. Baker’s cysts develop when excess fluid escapes the joint capsule into the popliteal space, creating a pouch-like swelling.

Diagnosis of Baker's Cyst

Diagnosing knee bursitis typically involves:

  • Physical examination: Your doctor will assess the knee, checking for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.
  • Imaging tests: Ultrasound may be used to get a detailed view of the bursae and detect inflammation.
  • Aspiration: In some cases, fluid from the bursa may be removed and tested to rule out infection or other underlying conditions.
Person holding their knee, experiencing pain or discomfort, possibly related to a Baker's cyst.

Cortisone Injections for Baker's Cyst

At RAD Clinics, we offer ultrasound-guided cortisone injections to treat Baker’s Cyst. This treatment is designed to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote faster recovery.

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections

  • Precision: Ultrasound guidance allows the physician to accurately target the inflamed bursa, ensuring optimal results with minimal risk.
  • Minimal discomfort: With precise needle placement, there is less disruption to surrounding tissues, making the procedure more comfortable.
  • Fast pain relief: Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, providing rapid reduction of pain and swelling in the affected knee.
  • Long-lasting effects: Cortisone injections can provide long-term relief, enabling patients to resume their daily activities more quickly.
  • Non-invasive option: This treatment is non-surgical, requiring only a small injection to deliver the medication directly to the affected area.

What to Expect During the Procedure

During an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection:

  1. Preparation: The knee is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic may be applied to numb the area.
  2. Ultrasound guidance: The doctor uses an ultrasound probe to visualise the inflamed bursa.
  3. Injection: A thin needle is inserted into the bursa, and cortisone is injected. The entire procedure is typically quick, taking about 10-15 minutes.

After the procedure, patients may experience mild soreness at the injection site, which usually resolves within a day. Full relief from symptoms may occur within a few days to a week after the injection.

When to Seek Treatment

You should seek medical attention if:

  • Your knee pain is severe or persistent.
  • You notice significant swelling or warmth around the knee.
  • The knee’s range of motion becomes limited.
  • There is no improvement with rest, ice, or over-the-counter medications.
  • You suspect infection (e.g., fever, redness).

At RAD Clinics, we recommend seeking treatment early to prevent further damage to the knee joint and surrounding tissues. Our ultrasound-guided cortisone injections offer an effective solution for reducing inflammation and relieving pain, tailored to each patient’s needs.

Person holding their knee with highlighted red area, indicating pain potentially caused by a Baker's cyst.

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