HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Swelling On Back Of Knee And Stiffness?

I ve had swelling on the back of my left knee now for about a week. It feels pretty soft like there s something behind my knee. Also my leg gets very stiff and it s hard to fully extend my leg. Will I need to seek medical treatment or will this go away on it s own? Any idea what this could be? I ve been looking online and it seems as though it could be a bakers cyst. Do you agree? It s a dull pain and it s uncomfortable. I work at a desk all day so when I m working I try to elivate my leg.
Wed, 27 Jan 2016
Report Abuse
Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
A soft swelling at back of knee causing stiffness is a soft tissue swelling.
Cysts like Baker cyst is a common occurrence at this location.
Irritation of the joint leads to accumulation of excessive fluid in the joint which is pushed into a cyst called Bakers cyst.
Cause of irritation can be trauma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis etc.
The basic cause of underlying formation of cyst needs to be treated.
The cyst will disappear once these causes are treated.
You need to consult an orthopedician for clinical assessment and diagnosis.
In the meanwhile you can take pain killers to reduce the pain.
Try to give rest to the knee as much as possible.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Swelling On Back Of Knee And Stiffness?

Hello and welcome to HCM, A soft swelling at back of knee causing stiffness is a soft tissue swelling. Cysts like Baker cyst is a common occurrence at this location. Irritation of the joint leads to accumulation of excessive fluid in the joint which is pushed into a cyst called Bakers cyst. Cause of irritation can be trauma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis etc. The basic cause of underlying formation of cyst needs to be treated. The cyst will disappear once these causes are treated. You need to consult an orthopedician for clinical assessment and diagnosis. In the meanwhile you can take pain killers to reduce the pain. Try to give rest to the knee as much as possible. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri