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Suggest Treatment For Baker's Cysts On Knees
Question: Hello,
On September 15, 2015 I had and an ultrasound done on both knees and they found Baker's cysts on both knees. Cyst in the right knee measures 5.3cm X 0.9cm, and left knee 3.0cm X 0.7cm. Tightness and discomfort goes down to the calves and bottom of my feet. At the bottom of my feet just bellow my toes feels like I am walking on the pebbles, and feel pins and needles in my toes. Also my muscles in my thighs are very stiff. Symptoms are present for more then a 3-4 months. Please advise. Thank you.
On September 15, 2015 I had and an ultrasound done on both knees and they found Baker's cysts on both knees. Cyst in the right knee measures 5.3cm X 0.9cm, and left knee 3.0cm X 0.7cm. Tightness and discomfort goes down to the calves and bottom of my feet. At the bottom of my feet just bellow my toes feels like I am walking on the pebbles, and feel pins and needles in my toes. Also my muscles in my thighs are very stiff. Symptoms are present for more then a 3-4 months. Please advise. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Baker cysts are often not symptomatic but those cysts are of considerable dimensions so it is expected to cause some symptoms like the discomfort in the knee and the calves and tightness sensation.
However the symptoms you describe in the sole of your feet are not typical of the cyst itself, it shouldn't cause symptoms reaching that far. Those symptoms look like in the setting of involvement of peripheral nerves. Compression of the nerve covering that area, the sural nerve, is not common for Baker's cyst, but since the dimensions are considerable it is a possibility. So I believe a nerve exam called nerve conduction studies is necessary to determine whether there is indeed a nerve compression at that site where the cysts are situated, or whether there could be another type of nerve damage not related to the cysts altogether.
If such compression is found then I believe that intervention is necessary in your case, usually by fluid drainage from the cysts through a needle.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Baker cysts are often not symptomatic but those cysts are of considerable dimensions so it is expected to cause some symptoms like the discomfort in the knee and the calves and tightness sensation.
However the symptoms you describe in the sole of your feet are not typical of the cyst itself, it shouldn't cause symptoms reaching that far. Those symptoms look like in the setting of involvement of peripheral nerves. Compression of the nerve covering that area, the sural nerve, is not common for Baker's cyst, but since the dimensions are considerable it is a possibility. So I believe a nerve exam called nerve conduction studies is necessary to determine whether there is indeed a nerve compression at that site where the cysts are situated, or whether there could be another type of nerve damage not related to the cysts altogether.
If such compression is found then I believe that intervention is necessary in your case, usually by fluid drainage from the cysts through a needle.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much for your quick respond.
If the symptoms in my feet are not related to the Baker's cyst, what other type of nerve damage can be?Is it possible to be coming from the lower back, because my lower back is also painful and goes down to the buttocks. Please let me know, so I can bring it up to the Neurologist that I'll be refereed. Do you have any suggestions in the mean time that I can do, because it will be a long waiting time until I see Neurologist. Also I would like to point that I sit a lot in the car, long drives, and bad posture on the laptop, I am Realtor. Your answer is greatly appreciated.
Regards,
xxxxxxxx
If the symptoms in my feet are not related to the Baker's cyst, what other type of nerve damage can be?Is it possible to be coming from the lower back, because my lower back is also painful and goes down to the buttocks. Please let me know, so I can bring it up to the Neurologist that I'll be refereed. Do you have any suggestions in the mean time that I can do, because it will be a long waiting time until I see Neurologist. Also I would like to point that I sit a lot in the car, long drives, and bad posture on the laptop, I am Realtor. Your answer is greatly appreciated.
Regards,
xxxxxxxx
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information. By additional nerve damage I meant peripheral neuropathy (many causes like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies alcohol etc), tarsal tunnel syndrome (compression of the nerves at the ankle), or compression of the nerves in the back.
So yes, if you have had pain in lower back reaching the buttocks that is a real possibility, usually due to degenerative changes of the spine leading to nerve compression. A neurological visit can find signs to indicate it, if in doubt imaging of the back and nerve conduction studies help.
As to the measures you can take in the meantime, physical therapy would be the best in dealing with the back issues, to strengthen the muscles and improve posture, although ideally it should be the neurologist prescribing it based on his findings.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information. By additional nerve damage I meant peripheral neuropathy (many causes like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies alcohol etc), tarsal tunnel syndrome (compression of the nerves at the ankle), or compression of the nerves in the back.
So yes, if you have had pain in lower back reaching the buttocks that is a real possibility, usually due to degenerative changes of the spine leading to nerve compression. A neurological visit can find signs to indicate it, if in doubt imaging of the back and nerve conduction studies help.
As to the measures you can take in the meantime, physical therapy would be the best in dealing with the back issues, to strengthen the muscles and improve posture, although ideally it should be the neurologist prescribing it based on his findings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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