How to Treat a Baker's Cyst

A tear in your knee cartilage or arthritic joints can cause too much fluid to gather and build up behind your knee. This event can case many annoying and painful symptoms in your knee such as tenderness, swelling, tightness and pressure in the back of knee. Most Baker's cysts can be treated successfully at home, but if yours persists or is extremely uncomfortable, consult your health care provider.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Ice pack
• Knee wrap
• Pillows

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Instructions

• 1

  Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen, if you need it for pain.

• 2

  Rest as much as possible.

• 3

  Apply ice to the back of your knee. Wrap ice in cloth and keep it on the area for about 20 minutes. Do this every 3 to 4 hours. This will help to reduce inflammation.

• 4

  Protect your knee by wrapping it in a knee wrap. This will compress the area and help with swelling.

• 5

  Use pillows to elevate your leg as often as possible, especially at night.