From the Research
The treatment for a ruptured Baker's cyst primarily involves addressing the underlying knee condition and managing symptoms, with the most effective approach being ultrasound-guided aspiration and corticosteroid injection, as evidenced by the most recent study 1. The initial management includes rest, ice application for 15-20 minutes several times daily, compression with an elastic bandage, and elevation of the affected leg (RICE protocol).
- Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily) or naproxen (250-500mg twice daily) can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- For more severe cases, aspiration of the fluid may be performed by a healthcare provider, sometimes followed by a corticosteroid injection (such as DepoMedrone 40mg and Bupivacaine 5ml) into the knee joint to reduce inflammation, as shown in the study 1. Some key points to consider:
- Physical therapy focusing on gentle range-of-motion exercises and strengthening of the surrounding muscles is often recommended once acute symptoms subside.
- Since Baker's cysts typically result from underlying knee conditions like osteoarthritis or meniscal tears, definitive treatment requires addressing these primary issues.
- In rare cases where conservative measures fail and symptoms persist, surgical intervention may be considered to remove the cyst, as discussed in the study 2. The recovery period typically takes 2-8 weeks depending on the severity and underlying cause, with the cyst rupture itself often resolving as the inflammatory fluid is reabsorbed by the body, but without treating the underlying knee condition, recurrence is common, highlighting the importance of addressing the underlying condition, as noted in the study 3.