---
title: Does a Baker's Cyst Mean I Have Vein Issues?
description: Do you know how to tell if Baker's Cysts are dangerous? If they burst, they may be confused with a DVT so working with right doctor is critical.
image: https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/iStock-1400844786.jpg
---

[![VINJ\_TCVC-Logo.jpg](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New-VINJ_Logo.png?width=350&height=71&name=New-VINJ_Logo.png "VINJ_TCVC-Logo.jpg")](https://www.veininstitutenj.com)

[973-539-6900](tel:9735396900)

- [home](http://veininstitutenj.com/)
- [contact](http://veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Vein-Institute-of-New-Jersey-194043250629023/)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/veininstituteofnj/)
- [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter)
- [Patient Portal](https://gateway.aprima.com/portal/home/11101)

- [Home](http://veininstitutenj.com/)
- [Appointments](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/) 
    - [Locations](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/appointments/locations/)
    - [Schedule an Appointment](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/schedule/)
- [Our Practice](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/) 
    - [Why choose The Vein Institute of New Jersey?](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/why-choose-us/)
    - [More About Us](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/about-us/)
    - [Our Physicians](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/physicians/)
    - [Leadership & Integrity](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity/)
    - [Accredited Vascular Lab](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/accredited-vascular-lab/)
    - [Testimonials](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/testimonials/)
    - [News, Events & Publications](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/news-and-publications/)
- [Vascular Conditions](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/) 
    - [About Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/about-veins/)
    - [Bleeding From Leg Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/bleeding-from-leg-veins/)
    - [Breast Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/breast-veins/)
    - [Deep Vein Thrombosis](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/)
    - [Discolored “Dark” Leg](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/discolored-dark-leg/)
    - [Hand Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/hand-veins/)
    - [Leg Swelling – Edema](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/leg-swelling/)
    - [Leg Ulcers – Sores](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/leg-ulcers/)
    - [Spider Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/spider-veins/)
    - [Varicose Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/varicose-veins/)
    - [Venous Reflux](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/venous-reflux/)
- [Treatments](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/) 
    - [Ambulatory Phlebectomy](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/ambulatory-phlebectomy/)
    - [Compression & Support Hosiery](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/compression-support-hosiery/)
    - [Endovenous Laser – VenaCure™](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/endovenous-laser/)
    - [Laser / Small Vein / Facial Laser](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/laser-small-vein-facial-laser/)
    - [Sclerotherapy](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/sclerotherapy/)
    - [Skin Rejuvenation](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/skin-rejuvenation/)
    - [Supportive Measures](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/supportive-measures/)
    - [Varithena Foam Sclerosant](https://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/varithena-foam-sclerosant/)
    - [Vein Treatment Comparisons](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/vein-treatment-comparisons/)
    - [VenaSeal Closure](https://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/venaseal-closure/)
    - [VNUS ClosureFAST™](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/vnus-closurefast/)
- [Patient Info](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/) 
    - [Contact Us](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
    - [e-Book Library](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/e-book-library/)
    - [Falls Prevention Guide](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/vinj-falls-prevention-guide)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/faq/)
    - [Healthy Recipes](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/healthy-recipes/)
    - [Insurance Providers](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/insurance/)
    - [Leg Swelling Assessment](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/leg-swelling-assessment/)
    - [Patient Forms](https://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/patient-forms/)
    - [Pre/Post Procedure Instructions](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/pre-post-procedure-instructions/)
    - [Second Opinions](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/who-gives-second-opinions)
    - [Self-Assessment](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/vein-or-vascular-self-assessment-form)
    - [Video Library](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/videos/)
- [Blog](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog)
- [Contact Information](http://veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
- [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter)
- [Patient Portal](https://apr-sb4.servicebus.windows.net/E47DDB4D-D1FC-4B61-80ED-09BA3DDC88F2/portal/11101/index.html#/login)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/veininstitutenj)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/veininstituteofnj/)

![pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TheCardiovascularCareGroup_October2017/Images/pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg?width=960&name=pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg "pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg")

# Vein Institute of NJ - Helpful Articles

Search…

Search Google

## Page:

[-1](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/page/-1)

![Does a Baker's Cyst Mean I Have Vein Issues?](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/iStock-1400844786.jpg)

# Does a Baker's Cyst Mean I Have Vein Issues?

- by [Dr. Daniel Fremed, MD, FACS](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/author/dr-daniel-fremed)
- [July 27th, 2022](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/does-a-bakers-cyst-mean-i-have-vein-issues)
- - Share on

If this is the first you are hearing of Baker’s Cyst, you’re not alone. And the reason we are discussing it here, in our vascular practice, is because if this type of cyst ruptures the result is a painful, swollen leg, which at first glance may be indistinguishable from an acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

# What is a Baker’s Cyst?

Cysts, in general, are sac-like structures typically filled with a liquid, semi-solid substance, or even a gaseous material. They can vary in size and location and are mostly benign.

A Baker’s Cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, forms at the back of your knee and causes a protruding bulge under the skin and a feeling of tightness in the knee. They typically occur from an injury to the area or inflammation in the knee joint. The cyst forms when too much lubricating fluid in the knee, known as synovial fluid, builds up in the back area of your knee.

## Is Baker’s Cyst Dangerous?

Usually, cysts are not dangerous and can be treated with ice and over-the-counter medications. If a Baker’s Cyst bursts open, it can cause similar issues like those you may experience with a DVT. The symptoms can go from leg swelling and pain to redness and warmth in the area.

## How to Tell the Difference Between DVT and a Baker’s Cyst

If your doctor is a board-certified vascular surgeon, then they should know to take the examination a bit further. Beyond asking some of the upfront questions and performing tests like checking the knee’s flexibility and understanding the issues that led to the current pain, there are some additional ways familiar to a vascular doctor to ascertain more information so you can know if it’s DVT or a cyst.

These tests could involve an [ultrasound](https://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/accredited-vascular-lab/) to get a picture of the inside of your leg that looks for blood clots to a deeper look through an [MRI](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-an-mri) that offers an even more detailed picture of the leg. While MRI’s are not typically used for diagnosing DVT, it can certainly determine if there is a cyst causing the problem.

## What Are My Treatment Options?

Depending on what the diagnosis shows, your treatment will vary. If you have a Baker’s Cyst, you could get a corticosteroid shot to reduce the swelling and alleviate the pain. Aspirating the cyst to drain any fluid is also an option. These procedures are typically performed by several types of doctors including primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, or physiatrists.

If you are experiencing any signs of DVT or notice a bulging behind your knee and would like to learn more about risk factors and prevention, [schedule an appointment](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/appointments/schedule/) with one of our vein treatment specialists who can discuss your situation with the knowledge to determine your best course of action.

[![Schedule Your Appointment Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3952114/95cba5d3-992a-48c1-bd3f-a7d7684c35dc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3952114/95cba5d3-992a-48c1-bd3f-a7d7684c35dc)

[Previous page](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/what-can-i-do-about-my-swollen-legs)

[Next page](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tips-on-weightlifting-with-vascular-disease)

### CATEGORIES

- [Arteries (61)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/arteries)
- [Health/Exercise (31)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/health-exercise)
- [Spider Veins (40)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/spider-veins)
- [Travel (5)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/travel)
- [Varicose Veins (56)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/varicose-veins)
- [Vascular Doctors/Staff (58)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vascular-doctors-staff)
- [Vascular Health (8)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vascular-health)
- [Vein Conditions (82)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vein-conditions)
- [Vein Treatments (91)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vein-treatments)

### Subscribe to VINJ Health News

### RECENT ARTICLES

Our “Top Doctor” rated, experienced and renowned faculty of Vascular specialists with 24/7 patient coverage, are all personally interested in your care.

[![Schedule Your Appointment Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3952114/95cba5d3-992a-48c1-bd3f-a7d7684c35dc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3952114/95cba5d3-992a-48c1-bd3f-a7d7684c35dc) OR CALL [(973) 539-6900](tel:9735396900)

### Learn More

- [Schedule Appointment](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/schedule/)
- [Our Practice](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/)
- [Contact Us](http://veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
- [Testimonials](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/testimonials/)
- [Patient Info](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/)
- [Video Library](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/videos/)
- [Vascular Conditions](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/)
- [Treatments](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/)
- [News, Events & Publications](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/news-and-publications/)

### Get In Touch

- [Map & Directions](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/map-and-directions/) to Vein Institute of New Jersey at The Cardiovascular Care Group
- Phone: [(973) 539-6900](tel:9735396900)
- Fax: [(973) 538-4115](tel:9735384115)
- [info@veininstitutenj.com](mailto:info@veininstitutenj.com)

[![NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026\_200x255](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Award%20Logos/NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026_200x255.png?width=200&name=NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026_200x255.png "NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026_200x255")](https://njtopdocs.com/nj-doctors/veins/)

[![NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc\_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025\_shdw\_300x260px](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Award%20Logos/NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025_shdw_300x260px.png?width=300&height=260&name=NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025_shdw_300x260px.png "NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025_shdw_300x260px")](https://njmonthly.com/find-a-doctor/)

![seal\_vein\_1pmt](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/seal_vein_1pmt.png?width=150&height=161&name=seal_vein_1pmt.png "seal_vein_1pmt")

[![Accredited Vascular Testing Facility](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/seal_vascular_2019_trans.png?width=150&name=seal_vascular_2019_trans.png "Accredited Vascular Testing Facility")](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/accredited-vascular-lab/)

[![Castle Connolly Top Doctors emblem](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Castle-Connolly-Top-Doctors-Emblem-Large%20(4).jpg?width=944&name=Castle-Connolly-Top-Doctors-Emblem-Large%20(4).jpg "Castle Connolly Top Doctors emblem")](https://castleconnolly.com/)

 

©2022, Vein Institute of New Jersey. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy](http://veininstitutenj.com/privacy-policy/) |  [Terms and Conditions](https://veininstitutenj.com/terms-and-conditions/) |  [Non-Discrimination](https://veininstitutenj.com/non-discrimination-notice/) |  [HIPAA Notice](https://veininstitutenj.com/hipaa-notice/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Dr. Daniel Fremed, MD, FACS",
    "url" : "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/author/dr-daniel-fremed"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2022-07-27T13:52:45.147Z",
  "datePublished" : "2022-07-27T13:52:45.000Z",
  "headline" : "Does a Baker's Cyst Mean I Have Vein Issues?",
  "image" : [ "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/iStock-1400844786.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/does-a-bakers-cyst-mean-i-have-vein-issues",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/New-VINJ_Logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "Vein Institute of NJ at The Cardiovascular Care Group"
  }
}
```