A Baker s cyst often causes no pain, just a feeling of tightness and discomfort. Sometimes they are painful, though, and the pain may extend down the leg, depending on where the cyst is exerting pressure. These cysts occasionally rupture. In children, Baker s cysts may arise for no apparent reason and they frequently go away by themselves within a couple of years. Baker s cysts in adults may be related to knee injuries or other kinds of knee problems, most commonly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Many doctors recommend surgery because it solves the problem and is relatively simple.
The cyst can be easily removed from the back of the leg and need not involve the knee joint itself. Some doctors advise against treatment as long as symptoms are minimal. Still others prefer aspiration, or draining the fluid from the cyst with a needle. Corticosteroid medications are sometimes injected to bring temporary pain relief, especially when arthritis is involved. Baker s cysts that are drained may go away, but it is more common for them to recur again after aspiration.