According to Wikipedia, A Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a type of fluid collection behind the knee. If you Google Bakers Cyst, most sites will echo this as a harmless side effect of something that damages the knee but is it harmless, or a symptom of a larger issue? While it is true that many patients with knee pain have Baker cysts, the truth is that they are symptomatic of mechanical dysfunction in the leg and the back. Most doctors do not understand this because you cannot one size fits all the cyst. In other words, we are all built differently and we can have different reasons behind why those who have one or two as they are often found in both legs. To fully understand the cyst, you must understand the reason behind it for that person and how it may affect how they feel and functions. A better definition of a Baker Cyst. Having treated thousands of these patients experiencing knee, back, leg, plantar fasciitis, and sciatic pain, my definition is more inclusive as the way we walk and move is adaptive and a Baker Cyst is an adaptation to stresses affecting the knee over time. My definition; A Baker Cyst is an adhesion of the tissues of the muscular, tendons, and vascular and neurological structures in the back of the knee including the medical and lateral heads of the gastrocs, the hamstring fibers that cross over in the back of the knee and the popliteus is a posterior stabilizer of the knee. The cyst worsens over time as it negatively affects the function of the hamstrings, gastrocs resulting in tightness in the hamstrings, and gastrocs, and even numbness and tingling with swelling because of the popliteal fossae (the back of the knee), where the adhesion develops. If you are in our specialized model, typical of the health system in the USA, you may look at the knee and never understand the symptoms caused by a worsening of the adhesion that can cause conditions such as Knee pain. Tight calves and reduced foot and ankle mobility. Hip pain. Back pain. Sciatic pain. Numbness in the toes. Soreness in the shins. Balance problems. Many upper body problems such as neck and shoulder pain may secondarily develop as well due to the lower body dysfunction caused by the cyst. Why visit a sports chiropractor first for a Baker Cyst? Understanding the symptoms mentioned above requires a full history and a holistic evaluation meaning, we evaluate you fully, not just the symptomatic area. Understanding how you walk is an important part of the process. Certified (CCSP) and diplomated (DACBSP) sports chiropractors have taken continuing education to understand orthopedics, neurology, and movement of the human body and as part of their education, have been mentored at sports events to achieve their designation. There is also a national governing body known as the ACBSP oversees that their doctors take the required certifications yearly to continue within their specialty. While there are differences in experience both on and off the field, treatment of Baker Cysts is best performed by hand. In our offices, we use myofascial release and the results are often immediate. Chiropractors also use manipulation of the spine and extremities and use exercises to strengthen a dysfunctional area. Most sports chiropractors are one-stop shops to get the relief and proper diagnosis you require. Healthcare systems in the US make things that are simple to treat complicated due to the specialist model. Chiropractors are primary care of the musculoskeletal system and take both a generalist and specialist approach as needed. Our office keeps it simple. We check our work using treat-test-treat protocols to make sure the area we are treating functions better before you leave the office. By understanding that the adhesion we call a Baker’s Cyst is often caused by other malfunctions, looking at the structure that is unique to you results in better diagnosis and treatment with treatment usually beginning during your initial visit. Keep it simple; think chiropractic sports medicine first. If the doctor believes you require medical attention, they will refer you to the appropriate providers or order any appropriate tests. The good news is that most musculoskeletal conditions resolve with chiropractic care. Need help today? Book online now.