What Is A Popliteal Cyst?
Popliteal Cysts are generally small bags of fluid that originate from the buildup of fluid in the knee. The Cyst forms when these fluids accumulate and push against the rear part of the knee joint capsule. Popliteal Cysts usually occur within the back part of the knee, which is called the Popliteal Fossa. An easy way to tell if you have a Popliteal Cyst is to feel the indention on the back part of the knee, the Popliteal Fossa, between the hamstring tendons. If you have a Popliteal Cyst, you will be able to feel it there.
What Can Cause A Popliteal Cyst?
Any damage of the knee can cause a Popliteal Cyst to form, this is due to the weakening of the knee, and can allow the accumulation of fluids to occur.
What also needs to be understood is that a Popliteal Cyst can be a form of response to any damage or conditions that initially damaged the knee. It could be caused by these, but is not limited to:
Osteoarthritis – the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints.
Trauma - any physical damage to the body caused by violence or an accident, such as tears or injuries to tendons and ligaments of the knee.
Although one may be lead to believe blood is responsible for Cyst-like symptoms, Popliteal Cysts are not from blood clotting within the joint.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a Popliteal Cyst are generally mild. Any tenderness or aching during or afer exercise or the feeling that the joint is unsteady can signify that a Popliteal Cyst may be present. Pain can be felt in the area affected, you may feel pain from other symptoms of what may have caused the Cyst to form, or perhaps from the Cyst itself. A bulge can be felt in the back of the knee, between the two hamstring tendons. Any further conditions or damage to the knee can cause more fluid buildup within a Popliteal Cyst, but don’t be surprised if a discovered Cyst tends to vary in size over time, this is common.
There are instances of a Cyst bursting from beneath the skin, which can cause tremendous amounts of pain and swelling in the area it occured. A ruptured Cyst causes fluids that had built up inside to be absorbed by the body, but the point is is that the Cyst may return over a short period of time. Symptoms that show that this has happened are very similar to Thrombophlebitis, or a blood clot within the leg. If you feel that this has happened it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as to determine the actual cause of the pain and swelling, and to deal with it correctly.