Knee Discomfort One Year After Meniscectomy: Could It Be a Baker's Cyst?
I’m a 23-year-old male and currently not on any medications. Back in March 2024, I experienced a tear in my lateral meniscus, leading to a meniscectomy in April 2025. During the procedure, the surgeons indicated that the tear was located in the inner section of the typical C-shaped meniscus, an area where tissue shouldn’t be present. They successfully removed the problematic tissue, leaving me with a mostly normal meniscus structure. After undergoing physical therapy, my condition was improving. However, I underwent an MRI in September 2024, which revealed the presence of a baker's cyst, along with an area that might represent either changes following the surgery or a potential new tear, although the doctors were uncertain about this. My knee seemed to improve progressively, but by May 2025, I began experiencing discomfort not only in my knee but also in my hips and hamstrings, along with pain from the rear of my knee. Fast forward to today—I’m back in physical therapy. While my hip and most of my hamstring issues have significantly improved, the pain at the back of my knee has become quite bothersome. It feels almost as if tendons are snapping over one another when I extend my leg, accompanied by a significant sense of pressure. Additionally, there’s occasionally a noticeable bulge in the back of my knee, which I suspect might be the baker’s cyst. Could this indicate that I’ve reinjured my knee, or is it possible that the cyst is merely a remnant from my previous injury? Is there a chance it will resolve on its own? Would it be advisable to get another MRI to further investigate what’s happening? Before I commit to expensive consultations and imaging, I’d appreciate any insights or guidance. Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
8/26/2025, 7:42:06 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant knee discomfort since your meniscectomy, and I understand how concerning that can be, especially with the added issue of a Baker's cyst. Let's break down your situation and provide some actionable guidance.
Main Points
- Baker's Cyst and Symptoms: It’s possible that your symptoms, especially the bulge and pain in the back of the knee, are related to the Baker's cyst or could indicate other issues like tendinopathy or irritation of surrounding structures.
- Monitoring Symptoms: Since you’ve noticed changes and discomfort, especially with movement, it's important to monitor these symptoms closely.
- Next Steps and Management: You might not need immediate imaging or consultations but can focus on self-care strategies for management.
Explanation
A Baker's cyst forms when excess fluid accumulates in the bursa located behind the knee, often due to underlying joint problems, like those from previous injuries or arthritis. The symptoms you describe—pain, pressure, and snapping sensations—can stem from the cyst or possibly from other issues related to your knee's recovery. The fact that you're already in physical therapy is great, as targeted exercises can help improve the function and strength of the knee, potentially reducing problems tied to the cyst.
Actionable Guidance
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Continue Physical Therapy: Since you're already back in physical therapy, ensure to communicate these specific symptoms to your therapist. They can adapt your program to address the discomfort and help manage the cyst.
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Rest and Ice: If you experience significant pain, consider resting the knee and applying ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce inflammation.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Focus on exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility without causing pain. Avoid any activities that exacerbate your symptoms, particularly those that involve rapid knee extension.
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Observation: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting any activities that worsen or alleviate the pain. This can provide insights into how your knee is responding to treatment.
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Consider Seeking Further Evaluation: If the pain worsens, or if new symptoms develop (like swelling or instability), consider discussing with your physical therapist or a healthcare provider about potentially getting another MRI. This will help differentiate between the cyst, potential reinjury, or other issues.
By taking these steps, you’ll be able to manage your symptoms while keeping an eye on your knee's condition. If after implementing these strategies you find that the discomfort does not improve, it may be worth revisiting the idea of imaging or further consultations. You're doing a good job by seeking information and support—keep up the proactive approach!
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