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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Rarely, a Baker's cyst bursts and synovial fluid leaks into the calf region, causing:

  • Sharp pain in your knee
  • Swelling
  • Sometimes, redness of your calf or a feeling of water running down your calf

These signs and symptoms closely resemble those of a blood clot in a vein in your leg. If you have swelling and redness of your calf, you'll need prompt medical evaluation to rule out a more serious cause of your symptoms.

Preparing for your appointment Causes
References
  1. Helfgott SM. Popliteal (Baker's) cyst. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed June 27, 2012.
  2. Handy JR. Popliteal cysts in adults: A review. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2001;31:108.
  3. Knee problems. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Knee_Problems/. Accessed June 27, 2012.
DS00448 Aug. 1, 2012

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