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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffIf your doctor determines that arthritis is causing the cyst, he or she may advise you to take some or all of the following steps to reduce the inflammation and lessen the production of synovial fluid:
- Follow the P.R.I.C.E. principles. These letters stand for protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. Protect your leg by using crutches to take the weight off the knee joint and to allow pain-free walking. Rest your leg. Ice the inflamed area. Compress your knee with a wrap, sleeve or brace. And elevate your leg when possible, especially at night.
- Try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen. NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve, others) and similar drugs, can help relieve pain, as can acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Prescription NSAIDs can provide higher doses and greater potency than over-the-counter NSAIDs.
- Scale back your physical activity. Doing so will reduce irritation of your knee joint. Your doctor can offer you guidance on how long you need to reduce your activity levels, and may be able to suggest alternative forms of exercise you can do in the meantime.
References
- Foley BA, et al. Injection therapy of bursitis and tendinitis. In: Roberts JR, et al. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Maryland Heights, Mo.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184552931-3/955852100/2083/443.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3623-4..00052-3--s0245_2527. Accessed Feb. 19, 2010.
- Rupp S, et al. Popliteal cysts in adults. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2002;30:112.
- Handy JR. Popliteal cysts in adults: A review. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2001;31:108.
- Cleveland KB. Nontraumatic soft-tissue disorders. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184837580-2/0/1584/169.html?tocnode=55686842&fromURL=169.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50027-1--cesec17_905. Accessed Feb. 19, 2010.
- Centeno CJ, et al. Sclerotherapy of Baker's cyst with imaging confirmation of resolution. Pain Physician. 2008;11:257.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 24, 2010.
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