Bakers Cyst
Guided Injections.
Injections for Baker’s Cyst
A Baker’s cyst occurs when excessive fluid accumulates behind the knee due to an intra-articular issue in the knee joint.
Baker’s cysts typically develop secondary to knee OA, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, meniscal tears, and traumatic ligamentous injuries. These cysts may or may not cause pain. (Liu et al., 2022) .
What are the common symptoms of this?
- Pain and swelling in the back of the knee and calf area
- Stiffness and loss of range, especially when bending the knee
- Visible lump in the back of the knee
(Zhou et al., 2016).
How is this diagnosed?
To assess your condition, your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination, looking for the following:
- Pain and swelling in the back of the knee that may extend into the calf
- A palpable lump of fluid in the back of the knee
- Reduced range of motion in the knee joint
- Weakness in the muscles surrounding the knee
- History of trauma or underlying conditions that would account for the cyst
Your physiotherapist may also recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays, if OA is suspected as the cause of the cyst. You may also be referred for MRI or Ultrasound scanning to detect fluid accumulation in the back of the knee and confirm a Baker’s cyst.
Treatment options
Guided Corticosteroid Injections
For persistent pain, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief.
Your Clinician
BSc Physiotherapy MSCP (Hons)
PGCert Independent Medical Prescriber
PGCert Soft Tissue and Joint Injection Therapist
PGCert Diagnostic Ultrasound
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Dzwonnik, K., Zelik, U., Florczak, W., Śnieżna, J., Dziewic, J., Domino, W., … & Adamczyk, S. (2025). Diagnosis and Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow: A Review of Therapeutic Approaches. Quality in Sport, 37, 57096-57096.