Baker’s Cyst: What Causes the Swelling Behind Your Knee?

Written By Andrew Adel Ishak

What Is a Baker’s Cyst?
Also called a popliteal cyst, it’s swelling caused by excess joint fluid that bulges behind the knee.

Causes:

  • Knee arthritis or cartilage damage

  • Meniscus tears

  • Inflammation inside the knee joint

Symptoms:

  • Swelling or lump behind the knee

  • Tightness or aching pain, especially when bending

  • Stiffness and reduced knee mobility

Physiotherapy Treatment:
✅ Reducing inflammation with manual therapy and modalities
✅ Strengthening knee stabilisers
✅ Improving knee joint mechanics
✅ Education on activity modification

Long-Term Recovery:
By addressing the underlying knee problem, physio helps reduce cyst formation and improve knee comfort and function.

Andrew Adel Ishak
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Torn Meniscus: Understanding Your Knee’s Cartilage Injury