Baker CystSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Baker Cyst
Baker cyst is a buildup of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that forms a swelling behind the knee.
Popliteal cyst; Bulge-knee; Baker's cyst
A Baker cyst is caused by swelling in the knee. The swelling occurs due to an increase in synovial fluid. This fluid lubricates the knee joint. When pressure builds up, fluid squeezes into the back of the knee.
Baker cyst commonly occurs with:
- A tear in the meniscal cartilage of the knee
- Cartilage injuries
- Knee arthritis (in older adults)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Other knee problems that cause knee swelling and synovitis (inflammation of the joint)
- Gout
In most cases, a person may have no symptoms. A large cyst may cause some discomfort or stiffness. There may be a painless or painful swelling behind the knee.
The cyst may feel like a water-filled balloon. Sometimes, the cyst may break open (rupture), causing pain, swelling, and bruising on the back of the knee and calf.
It is important to know whether pain or swelling is caused by a Baker cyst or a blood clot. A blood clot (deep venous thrombosis) can also cause pain, swelling, and bruising on the back of the knee and calf. A blood clot may be dangerous and requires medical attention right away.
Often, no treatment is needed. The provider can watch the cyst over time.
If the cyst is painful, the goal of treatment is to correct the problem that is causing the cyst. Sometimes, a steroid injection in the knee joint can help reduce the swelling.
Sometimes, a cyst can be drained (aspirated), however, the cyst often returns. In rare cases, it is removed with surgery if it becomes very large or causes symptoms. The cyst has a high chance of returning if the underlying cause is not addressed. The surgery may also damage nearby blood vessels and nerves.
Summit Orthopedics
Angela Voight is a Sports Medicine specialist and a Pediatrics provider practicing medicine in Eagan, Minnesota. Dr. Voight is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Baker Cyst. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Bursitis, Tendinitis, Facet Joint Syndrome, and Baker Cyst. Dr. Voight is board certified in American Board Of Family Medicine (ABFM) and Certificate Of Added Qualification In Sports Medicine. Dr. Voight is currently accepting new patients.
Proliance Surgeons
Robin Fuchs is a Sports Medicine provider practicing medicine in Kirkland, Washington. Dr. Fuchs is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Baker Cyst. He is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Baker Cyst, and Bursitis. Dr. Fuchs is board certified in American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Fuchs is currently accepting new patients.
Summit Orthopedics
Brent Warner is a Sports Medicine provider practicing medicine in Eagan, Minnesota. He has been practicing medicine for over 17 years. Dr. Warner is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Baker Cyst. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Bursitis, Tendinitis, Baker Cyst, and Muscle Spasms. Dr. Warner is board certified in American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery,2019, 2017, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Subspecialty Certification, American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) , and Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Warner is currently accepting new patients.
A Baker cyst will not cause any long-term harm, but it can be annoying and painful. The symptoms of Baker cysts often come and go.
Long-term disability is rare. Most people improve with time or with surgery.
Contact your provider if you have swelling behind the knee that becomes large or painful. Pain could be a sign of infection. Also contact your provider when you have increased swelling in your calf and leg and shortness of breath. This can be a sign of blood clots.
If the lump grows quickly, or you have night pain, severe pain, or fever, you will need more tests to make sure you do not have other types of tumors.
Summary: This study will evaluate how well magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect and characterize sports-related knee injuries. The study will include patients with sports-related knee injuries who undergo MRI examination. The MRI findings will be assessed for injuries involving the ligaments, menisci, cartilage, tendons, muscles, and bones, as well as other associated abnormalities. The study will a...
Summary: Quality improvement study with prospective observational design. The study explores the feasibility of testing diagnostic accuracy of an emergency department-performed focused ultrasound scan of the popliteal fossa in detecting symptomatic Baker's cysts, and to evaluate the potential for such follow-ups to conserve radiological resources. Ultimately, this work aims to establish the feasibility and...
Published Date: June 27, 2026
Published By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Peter and Sophie Pappas Endowed Chair, V-nee Yeh Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Biundo JJ, Canoso JJ. Bursitis, tendinopathy, other periarticular disorders, and sports medicine. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 242.
Huddleston JI, Goodman SB. Hip and knee pain. In: Firestein GS, McInnes IB, Koretzky GA, Mikuls TR, Neogi T, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 48.
Lamplot JD. Knee preservation surgery. In: Azar FM, Sawyer JR, Throckmorton TW, Jones L, Priggel T, Coble T, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2027:chap 10.
Rosenberg DC, Rovito C. Baker cyst. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 64.