Prolotherapy and Bakers Cyst
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A cyst is a fluid filled sac in any location of the body. One of the more common areas where cysts occur is the back of the knee. These cysts are called popliteal cysts or Baker's cysts. Typically, damage within the knee causes swelling and the fluid is pumped from the knee to this fluid filled sac. This creates swelling and sometimes pain in the back of the knee. This may cause problems achieving full bending or full straightening of the knee.
Typically, draining or cutting out this cyst does not help unless the cause of the fluid accumulation inside the knee is cured. Orthopedic surgeons will recommend that the person get an MRI and subsequent arthroscopy to "fix" the problem. For the person who desires not to have a 24 inch probe stuck in their knee and undergo general anesthesia, there is another option: Prolotherapy.
Let's think about it. Someone has a trauma to the knee and eventually a baker's cyst forms. What most likely would be injured to cause instability in the knee so joint fluid accumulates. You got it...ligament damage. In my opinion the best treatment option for a ligament being stretched is Prolotherapy.
Can Arthroscopy fix a ligament that is stretched? No. Prolotherapy to the injured structure will stimulate the body to repair it. Once it is repaired and the joint is stable, no more joint swelling. Once there is no more joint swelling there is no more baker's cyst.
In summary: For those of you with baker's cysts, just draining the cyst doesn't repair anything, it alleviates swelling. Even then the physician will tell you the likelihood is that the cyst will return. Why? Because the damage into and around the knee joint remains. Damage to the following structures could cause a baker's cyst to form: the menisci, ligaments, cartilage, or joint capsule. All of these structures respond to the repair stimulating effects of Prolotherapy. By a person receiving Prolotherapy to the inside of the knee, the joint structure causing the swelling is often repaired. Once it is repaired, the joint swelling stops. Once the joint swelling stops, the baker's cyst ceases to exist. We call this ceasing to exist a cure. So if you want your baker's cyst cured, get a Prolotherapy evaluation and, if appropriate, Prolo Your Baker's Cyst Away!
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