KNEE ARTHRITIS - Arthritic swelling and Baker's Cysts :

How was your Baker's Cyst treated ??? - - Posted by Jennifer (Jennifer), 1 November 2002

I am having my cysts aspirated...anyone else  
Posted by jathib (jathib), 2 November 2002

Mine has never been treated. My OS figures it will just come back so he's not going to touch it unless it bothers me.
Posted by Jennifer (Jennifer), 2 November 2002

Mine are more than bothering me right now.  One of the PTs at my gym went to touch one while I was standing and if I had not been near a door frame I would have gone down    The new one (on the left) seems to have some fluid tending towards the calf too.  I have had the cyst on the right for 3 years and didn't need to do anything with it.  I figured it would just fill back up, etc.  I wonder how much of the pain that I have always had on the right might be related...it is also much more tender now, so I am having it drained at the same time.   I don't think I will be one to sign up for the habitual drainings though...

Jennifer
Posted by jathib (jathib), 2 November 2002

Mine has never been painful but I was told that if it ever did burst it would be very painful. Maybe that's what has happened to yours?
Posted by admin (The KNEEguru), 3 November 2002

You may find this reference leads you to more information. It is a little technical, but there is a good picture and surgical procedures are named, so it will be easy to follow up a search:

http://www.mdainternet.com/topics_b/baker_s_cyst.htm

KNEEguru
Posted by Jennifer (Jennifer), 3 November 2002

Thanks for the cite (and the site ).  I hope my situation doesn't  go in that direction, though.  I am merely getting the fluid drawn off.  When did they stop doing this in the doctor's office  I was pretty sure my OS's nurse could have handled me

BTW~~~~ I am going to be in London this coming year, I will be attempting to get my records together for a pop in while I am there.

Jennifer
Posted by hmaxwell (Heather M.), 6 November 2002

Hi.

No doctor that I have seen will actually treat my Baker's cyst....they all tell me that the chondromalacia patellae is the underlying cause, and that must be addressed first.

Easy for them to say!!  It really hurts a lot of the time, and often causes radiating pain down into my calf.  And this is my GOOD knee!

Basically I was told to get my bad knee sorted, as it would be the best possible course to help take the load off my good one.  Then, if they cyst and other pain didn't resolve, then I would need to consider a TTT due to the damage on the patella and condyles....

Heather

Posted by Jennifer (Jennifer), 8 November 2002

Hi Heather : )

I have already had TTTs on both of these legs, so they can't threaten me with that much anymore : O

I am a bit perplexed, but I think the OS is trying to keep me comfortable so I can continue my rehab (which as for the knees and the dreaded VMO is going well).  He is also sending me out for some consults soon so he might just be tidying up : O

I get a lot of muscle spasms related to mine, so I will be glad to be rid of mine even temporarily.  I feel sorry for the new health insurance company...the first week of my policy is not going to bode well for them : O  My collegues wanted me to change policies as they personally held me responsible for the 33% raise in premiums    

Well at least it will all be over tomorrow : )

jennifer

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