my dad has a bump behind his knee. what could this be from?

Question

My dad has a bump behind his knee that seems to be recurring. he had it drained once before, but it has returned. what is this from and is there any preventive measures he can take? My dad's is 85 yrs old and is still very active... thank God!!!

Answer 1

Its more than likely a cyst that fills with fluid that isn't properly draining. Kind of like edema when fluid cannot drain from lymph nodes on that side and part of the body. Or he has an infection that needs constant surveillance. If he is in pain while doing certain activities he should talk to another doctor if he has already had problems and seen another doctor previously. I would have him put warm compresses on it because it could help it to drain on its own and offer some comfort. Being active is great but too much may actually stimulate this to be worse.

Answer 2

A Baker’s cyst is a large swelling located on the back of the knee, caused by an irregular collection of sinovial fluid. A Baker’s cyst, named after the physician who first described the condition, is usually harmless and goes away on its own. However, a Baker’s cyst can cause pain and discomfort if it continues to enlarge or ruptures. Caused by injuries, torn cartilage, infection, or arthritis, Baker’s cysts usually occur in elderly men or in young children, and in extreme instances have to be drained or surgically removed.