From the Research
Yes, a Baker's cyst can lead to swelling in the lower limb below it, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 1. A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee, typically due to underlying knee joint problems like arthritis or a meniscal tear. When the cyst ruptures, the fluid can leak down into the calf region, causing swelling, redness, and pain in the lower leg. This can sometimes mimic symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, which is why proper diagnosis is important. The swelling occurs because the leaked synovial fluid irritates surrounding tissues and causes inflammation. Some key points to consider include:
- The effectiveness of ultrasonographic guided aspiration and intra-lesional corticosteroids injection for ruptured Baker's cysts, as shown in a retrospective observational study 1.
- The importance of addressing the underlying knee condition, as highlighted in a case report on bedside ultrasound-guided aspiration and corticosteroid injection of a Baker's cyst 2.
- The potential for Baker's cysts to cause lower limb ischemia through obstruction of arterial flow, as reported in a case study 3. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying knee condition with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily with food) or naproxen (250-500mg twice daily with food), as well as physical therapy to strengthen the knee joint. In some cases, the cyst may need to be drained or surgically removed if it causes significant discomfort or mobility issues, as discussed in studies on ultrasound-guided aspiration and corticosteroid injection of Baker's cysts 4, 5.