Baker cyst | Causes of pain in the legs

Baker cyst

A Baker cyst is a bulging of the knee joint capsule backwards in the direction of the hollow of the knee. The Baker cyst can have many causes. What they all have in common, however, is the fact that an increased amount of fluid is produced in the joint capsule.

Since this fluid has nowhere to go, the joint capsule begins to expand until it finally forms a bulge at its weakest point. This bulge is then called a Baker cyst. This bulge can become painful if it is exposed to excessive stress. For example, prolonged or frequent bending of the leg or prolonged standing can cause the hollow of the knee to become painful. For treatment, the cyst is punctured and the excess fluid is drained.

Femoral neck fracture

Fracture of the neck of the femur caused by falling on the thigh or hip. Risk factors are osteoporosis and advanced age.

Femur fracture

Fracture of one or both lower leg bones due to an accident.

Torn muscle fibre

Overstretching a muscle or insufficient warming up during sports causes the muscle fibers to tear, causing pulling pain.

Quadriceps tendon rupture

Tearing of the tendon of the large thigh extensor due to severe muscle tension or degenerative pre-damage.

Gonarthrosis

Knee joint arthrosis, damage to the joint cartilage in the knee joint, usually caused by degenerative changes.

Bone tumor

Malignant bone tumors are characterized by bone pain and palpable swelling, possibly also by bone fractures after minimal injury.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chronic systemic disease that leads to inflammation of the joint skin and tendons. More frequent on the hands than on the legs.

Sciatica neuralgia

Hip pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, which moves to the legs. Sensory disturbances and muscle weakness in the legs are possible.