Baker's Cyst

Baker's cysts in children are often primary, so the rate of spontaneous resolution is high. However, secondary Baker's cysts in adults are difficult to heal naturally unless the underlying joint lesion is resolved. If left untreated for a long time, cyst rupture may cause symptoms similar to deep vein thrombosis of the calf (calf swelling and pain), or the enlarged cyst may compress the peroneal nerve, causing sensory abnormalities.

Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic

In Korean medicine, accumulated waste fluid within the body has the characteristic of becoming deeper and harder the longer it is left untreated. In the early stages, absorption is effective solely through the stimulation of Qi and blood; however, in old cysts, waste fluids mix with stagnant blood and harden, prolonging the treatment period. Early treatment is significantly more advantageous in terms of therapeutic efficiency and can prevent complications such as cyst rupture. Dongjedang recommends evaluating both the course of the cyst and the underlying lesion to initiate treatment at the appropriate time.