Dr. Holly
Dr. Holly

What is a Baker’s Cyst?  No, it is nothing that you bake…Dr. Baker was the one to identify it…but it is also known as a popliteal cyst.

It has to do with a knee condition – that may be brought on in several ways…

The knee joint has a number of components to it…one of them is called the synovial bursa.  This is a small sac that is full of a fluid (like a raw egg white) that reduces the friction between the bones and allows for easy movement.

When the sac is challenged…and the body keeps producing more fluid.   And eventually a bulge forms…when the bulge is big enough, it becomes cystic.

This can occur because of a variety of knee conditions, i.e.,

  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • osteo arthritis
  • cartilage/meniscus tear

bakers-yeastWhere do they occur…well simply, they occur behind the knee…more technically they occur between the tendons of the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the semimembranosus muscles and posterior to the medial femoral condyle.

For many, the cyst doesn’t present any symptoms.  Usually, when symptoms appear, they are the result of another underlying issue, for instance:

  • arthritis
  • meniscus tear
  • cartilage tear
  • anterior cruciate ligament tear (ACL injury)

What are the possible conventional treatments:

  • aspiration (a needle is inserted and draws out the extra fluid)
  • corticosteroids (drugs used to reduce inflammation – but which may cause other problems)
  • surgery (only if the cyst causes a lot of discomfort)
  • ice packs (to reduce the inflammation)
  • physiotherapy (strengthening the quadriceps and/or the patellar ligament)

And then of course we have the alternative treatments:

  • anti-oxidants (raising glutathione; anti-oxidant foods and supplements)
  • anti-inflammatories (omega 3s found in foods and supplements)
  • Serrepeptase (a proteolytic enzyme that is acclaimed to remove blockages in the body that impede healing)
  • StemKine (acclaimed to provoke the body to create new stem cells, required to heal the synovial sac)
  • Protandim (a formulation that is well recognized to turn on the DNA genes that are required for:
    • anti-oxidants (made by the body and much more powerful)
    • anti-inflammatories (made by the body)
    • anti-fibrosis (made by the body)
  • Herbs:  there are a variety of herbs that can be used to:
    • clean the blood and lymph
    • work as astringents to help the healing of the sac
    • provide the nutrients for the connective tissue to heal

Ultimately, you need to do your homework; find a good health practitioner; and get onto the road of healing rather than managing your symptoms.

Be responsible, do your research, find a good health practitioner.

Here’s to your health!

For more information, contact: holly@choicesunlimited.ca

Dr. Holly is a naturopathic doctor that holds a PhD in Psychology and Biochemistry, specializing in balancing mind, body and energy of the system.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or other health care practitioner.