Joint Health

A physical examination can provide clues as to the cause of joint pain or immobility. Your doctor may also take X-rays or draw fluid from the joint. Blood tests can be used to rule out diseases that may cause stiffness and achiness in the joints. The... Full Answer

To diagnose a Baker's cyst, your doctor will examine the back of your knee to feel for the cyst. Transillumination, or shining a light through the cyst, can show that the growth is fluid filled. X-rays will not show the cyst because it is a soft tissue,... Full Answer

A meniscal tear can result from a sudden compressive, rotational force about the knee or can occur over time due to microtrauma. Common signs and symptoms include joint line pain, effusion (fluid build-up), popping, clicking, locking, and feelings of... Full Answer

A meniscal cyst is a balloon-like bulge that generally originates from a horizontal tear within the meniscus. The meniscus is the cartilage pad in the knee. Full Answer

To diagnose plica syndrome, your doctor will examine your knee and palpate for a band of tissue. He or she may call for x-rays to eliminate injuries to the bone as the source of your pain. An MRI can show the soft tissue, although this may still not... Full Answer

The first goal when treating plica syndrome is to reduce the inflammation. This may require limiting activities like running, biking or using a stair-climbing machine. In addition to rest, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicine. In some... Full Answer

Meniscal cysts are usually seen with meniscal tears that can occur with aging or through a pivoting or twisting injury to the knee. Kneeling or squatting may also cause tears of the meniscus. When the meniscus is torn, a small cyst can form adjacent to... Full Answer

A meniscal cyst is usually secondary to the meniscal injury that caused it to form. Treatment usually consists of cyst decompression and arthroscopic repair of any meniscal injury. Full Answer

When pressure builds up, a cyst forms and bulges into the back of the knee. Baker’s cysts occur commonly as a result of a tear in the meniscal cartilage of the knee, arthritis and other knee problems. Full Answer

A Baker's Cyst is a collection of fluid behind the knee. It was named after a British surgeon, William Baker, who described these cysts in the late 1800s. It's sometimes called a popliteal cyst. The best way to treat a Baker's Cyst depends on the reason... Full Answer