How To Sleep Better With A Baker’s Cyst

In this guide, you’ll learn how to sleep with a Baker’s Cyst, helpful information about the condition and general tips for managing it. Scroll down to start learning today.

How To Sleep With a Baker’s Cyst.

1. Create a pre-bedtime care routine with gentle exercises to stretch the knee. This can help with the healing process, as exercise increases blood flow and helps you get more oxygen-rich blood to your muscles (Harvard Health, 2019).

2. You can also apply cold compresses to your leg before you sleep to reduce inflammation. These compresses can also numb the area, reducing pain and tenderness (John Hopkins Medicine, 2022).

Best Sleeping Positions For A Baker’s Cyst

3. Avoid lying flat on your back. Instead, switch to sleeping on your side, which can take pressure off the back of your knee and make it easier to rest through the night.

4. For proper side sleeping, rest your head on a supportive pillow and keep your neck and chin aligned with the centre of your shoulders. Make sure your hips and shoulders stay stacked, and keep your gaze facing forward, this way you’ll avoid putting extra strain on your neck while giving your knee the relief it needs.

5. If you want more support, a memory foam pillow or mattress can help you maintain a healthy sleep posture throughout the night.

You can also introduce a specialised pillow for your lower legs (like the Groove X pillow), as these can take away extra pressure and promote a more comfortable sleep.

6. You may also want to elevate your leg if you have a Baker’s Cyst. This can help your knee heal and is the recommended treatment for a ruptured cyst (NHS.uk, 2028)

Baker’s Cyst: What Is It & How To Diagnose It

Baker’s Cysts are fluid-filled lumps that form on the back of the knee. They’re also known as synovial or popliteal cysts. These cysts develop from knee joint or tissue damage as extra fluid drains from the knee and builds up in the back of the joint (Cleveland Clinic, 2016).

Unlike other growths, Baker’s Cysts are benign growths and not a symptom or cause of cancer.

Only a medical professional can diagnose a Baker’s Cyst, and it’s essential to have your knee checked out if you’ve recently injured it or have arthritis.

What Causes & Aggravates a Baker’s Cyst?

Baker’s Cysts are usually caused by damage to the knee. This is because damage or impact can cause joint and tissue swelling and cysts to develop. They can also be caused by knee arthritis (e.g. by gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis).

Aside from a bump or lump at the back of your knee, other Baker’s Cyst symptoms to look out for are knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and trouble bending the knee (limited motion).

In rare cases, Baker’s Cysts can cause swelling and discolouration similar to blood clot symptoms. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you think you have a blood clot.

What Aggravates A Baker’s Cyst?

A Baker’s cyst can become more painful or swollen when the knee is placed under stress. Activities that involve fully bending or straightening the knee are common triggers, as they increase pressure in the joint (Mayo Clinic, n.d.).

Excessive strain or pressure on the cyst can also lead to complications. In some cases, the cyst may rupture, causing fluid to leak into the calf muscles and ankle joint. This can result in sudden pain, swelling, and discomfort in the lower leg.

If you notice worsening symptoms, it’s best to rest the knee and speak with a doctor for tailored advice and treatment options.

How Long Does A Baker’s Cyst Last?

In many cases, a Baker’s cyst improves within a few weeks as swelling and pain gradually reduce. The first signs of healing often include less tightness behind the knee and easier movement.

However, the exact duration can vary. If the underlying cause, such as arthritis or a knee injury, remains untreated, the cyst may linger or return over time. In some cases, cysts can last for several months or become a recurring issue.

If your symptoms don’t improve or the swelling worsens, it’s best to consult a doctor to rule out complications and discuss treatment options.

Final Words

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References

• Cleveland Clinic. (2016). Baker’s Cyst Symptoms, Causes, & Diagnosis | Cleveland Clinic: Health Library. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15183-bakers-cyst.
• John Hopkins Medicine (2022). Ice Packs vs. Warm Compresses For Pain. [online] www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ice-packs-vs-warm-compresses-for-pain.
• Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Baker cyst - Symptoms and causes. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bakers-cyst/symptoms-causes/syc-20369950#:~:text=The%20pain%20can%20get%20worse [Accessed 13 Mar. 2024].
• ‌nhs.uk. (2018). Baker’s cyst - Treatment. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bakers-cyst/treatment/#:~:text=The%20recommended%20treatment%20for%20a.
• Publishing, H.H. (2019). Exercise and your arteries. [online] Harvard Health. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/exercise-and-your-arteries.