Question
I have RA and over the last several years developed a popiteal cyst. I have had it drained more times than I can count and I had surgery to remove it and with in two weeks the cyst was back. It was drained more but that has not helped any. It really hurts and limits what I can do. What else can be done to get rid of this cyst?
Answer
A popliteal cyst or Baker’s cyst is caused by chronic fluid accumulation in the knee. If the fluid is caused by inflammation from the RA, then increases in medication are warranted. If the fluid is non-inflammatory and is due to a structural problem with the knee, then more surgery may be indicated.
