Strategies For Treating A Baker's Cyst

RICE Treatment

Individuals with a Baker's cyst may be advised to follow the RICE protocol as part of their treatment. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest means the affected individual should stop engaging in any movements or activities that irritate their Baker's cyst and cause increased inflammation. Ice means the patient should use a cold compress in intervals of ten to twenty minutes on the Baker's cyst at a frequency of more than three times a day. This part of the regimen also states if the swelling goes down after forty-eight to seventy-two hours, heat can be applied to help with the pain. Compression is the part of the RICE regimen that means wrapping up the knee around the cyst with an elastic type bandage to help reduce swelling in the area. The bandage should not be wrapped too tight is to obstruct blood flow, as it can result in swelling in the lower leg. Sensations of tingling, numbness, increased pain, swelling, or coolness in the lower leg can indicate the bandage is wrapped too tight. Elevation means to lift the leg when sitting or lying down to a level higher than the elevation of the heart to mediate swelling. The RICE treatment method is typically included in the treatment plan for all symptomatic Baker's cysts.