Becker's cyst under the knee. What is dangerous for this disease?

The term "Becker's cyst under the knee" in medicine designates an inflammatory fluid that accumulates in the mucous bag, which is located just below the popliteal cavity. This bag "nests" between the tendons of the gastrocnemius and semimembranous muscle and communicates with the joint through a small hole. If the knee joint begins to develop inflammation, the formed fluid begins to collect in the interbody bag - this is how Becker's cyst is formed under the knee.

Possible reasons

There can be several factors provoking the development of this disease. Among the most common doctors call all kinds of injuries and inflammations of the meniscus, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and gonarthrosis. And it is characteristic that the longer a patient lays off treatment and hopes for "self-passing", the higher the probability that he will face such a complication as Becker's cyst under the knee.

Symptomatics

By what signs can you diagnose this disease? At an early stage, the inflammatory process is not manifested. However, as the fluid fills the bag, the cyst increases in size. It is natural that a person becomes more and more difficult to bend his leg: sit, get up, go down and climb the stairs, and then just walk. At palpation it is possible to grope a small, but dense formation in the popliteal cavity. Gradually Becker's cyst grows under the knee. Accordingly, there are painful sensations. If you do not take the necessary measures, the pain can develop from barely noticeable to unbearable. Symptoms also include numbness of the foot (the latter is explained by the fact that the cyst can squeeze the nerve endings).

Complications

For a competent doctor, it is not the slightest effort to put the right diagnosis. Especially if there are obvious signs. In principle, in the presence of visible pathology, a person himself can determine that he has a Becker cyst: under the knee (photo shows how the disease looks like), a kind of tumor is formed. To postpone visit to the doctor in no event it is impossible! After all, what is the threat of this disease? First, it disrupts the blood supply of muscles and tendons, which causes severe pain, and as a result can lead to osteomyelitis and even infection of blood. Secondly, the venous outflow suffers: the leg from the knee turns blue, swells and becomes covered with trophic sores. Finally, many patients who start a cyst suffer from thrombosis and phlebitis, which in turn can trigger a blockage of the vessel and even cause death.

Becker's cyst under the knee: treatment

The disease involves two options for therapy: conservative treatment and surgery. The first is based on the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and, as a rule, is considered not very effective. However, if your cyst is small, it is entirely possible to resort to this method. Conservative treatment also includes puncture, that is, removal of fluid from the bag with a special thick needle. The operation is usually indicated to patients suffering from various complications. It is not necessary to be afraid of it - it's a rather simple procedure that takes about twenty minutes and is conducted under local anesthesia.