Ruptured Baker cyst
In general it can be assumed that a burst Baker cyst is rather rare. However, if a Baker’s cyst has burst, those affected often recognise this by the fact that the symptoms of the cyst increase significantly. In particular, the intensity of the pain perceived by the affected patient can increase many times over as soon as the Baker’s cyst has burst.
A Baker’s cyst that has burst can cause knee joint fluid (so-called synovial fluid) to leak into the surrounding tissue. For this reason, the symptoms of a Baker’s cyst can spread from the hollow of the knee to the thigh and/or lower leg. In addition, a Baker’s cyst that has ruptured causes pronounced swelling of the surrounding tissue.
Some patients report that they have felt cold water running down the lower leg. In addition, local redness can occur in the area of the epidermis. In the presence of a Baker’s cyst, the normal range of motion of the affected knee may be severely restricted.
This phenomenon can become even more severe in the case of a Baker’s cyst that has burst. People who suffer from a Baker’s cyst and suddenly notice local redness and swelling in the calf area should urgently consult a specialist as soon as possible. In such cases, it is suspected that the Baker’s cyst has burst.
Knee Arthrosis
The development of a Baker’s cyst, which can be accompanied by pronounced symptoms, is usually provoked by a disease within the knee joint. Especially in patients suffering from knee arthrosis, the development of a Baker’s cyst can often be observed. Knee arthrosis (synonym: knee joint arthrosis; gonarthrosis) is a wear-related joint disease.
In a narrower sense, knee arthrosis is caused by excessive wear and tear of the cartilage parts of the knee joint. Almost every person over 65 years of age shows at least slightly pronounced signs of osteoarthritis. However, even young people can show pronounced signs of wear and tear under certain conditions.
This can be observed especially in people who often put excessive strain on their knee joints. Knee osteoarthritis, which can be accompanied by the development of a Baker’s cyst, is typically manifested by pain, which is particularly pronounced in the morning hours. In addition, the symptoms increase significantly in intensity under stress, for example when climbing stairs.
