While meniscal cysts are not serious, they can cause knee pain and swelling or problems moving the knee.
This article looks at meniscal cysts and their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Verywell / Tim Liedtke
Symptoms of a Meniscal Cyst
Meniscus cysts do not always cause symptoms.
Verywell / Tim Liedtke
When they do, they may include:
What Causes a Meniscal Cyst?
A meniscus cyst is not a true cyst.
Instead, it is made up of displaced joint fluid.
When fluid escapes the joint, it can collect in a pouch.
This pouch is the cyst.
Because of this, the cyst will continue to collect fluid.
Risk factors for meniscal cysts include:
Meniscal cysts are most common in 20- to 30-year-old males.
They are usually associated with a punch in ofmeniscal tearcalled a horizontal cleavage tear.
This kind of tear may be because of over-rotation of the knee.
Cysts may also be sparked by degeneration of the meniscus.
This is usually related to age orosteoarthritis.
A meniscal cyst can usually be felt when the area ispalpated(touched).
(An MRI creates images of your knee using a magnetic field and radio waves.
An ultrasound creates images using sound waves).
Meniscal Cysts vs. Baker’s Cysts
Meniscal cysts are similar topoplitealor Baker’s cysts.
Baker’s cysts, however, are located in the back of the knee joint.
Baker’s cysts are seen with many types of knee joint problems that lead to fluid accumulation.
Treatment of Meniscal Cysts
Pain triggered by a meniscal cyst can be treated with ice.
Anti-inflammatory medications can also help.
The cyst may be drained with a needle in a health provider’s office.
However, the cyst will usually return unless the meniscal tear itself is treated or heals itself.
Surgery
Meniscal tears don’t always need surgery.
Once the tear has been repaired, the cyst will usually go away permanently.
While it is possible for the cyst to come back, it is unlikely.
Summary
Meniscus cysts are due to tears in the meniscal cartilage in the knee.
This can happen after an injury or due to degeneration of the meniscus.
Meniscal cysts don’t always cause symptoms.
Meniscal cysts can be drained, but they may return.
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