Is there any reason to not train as normal after a ruptured Baker’s cyst?
Background info:
Cyst present behind right knee for about 8 months
Intermittent swelling - limited squatting to twice per week to combat swelling - this was working
Sudden “pop” and sharp pain during HBBS warm up - within 20 seconds swelling moved from knee to calf - soreness and swelling for one week post-“pop,” pain 3/10 when weight bearing but 0/10 when non-weight bearing
Other info:
Female
38 yo
5’9"
155#
Training age: 2+ years
General advice from the internet seems to be rest and elevation for 2 weeks.
Thanks in advance. Any advice is much appreciated.
Follow up on this … within a few weeks of the original rupture, the cyst returned. It is pretty much the same as the first go around except this time, the entire knee swells after Monday’s squats. There is no pain but fairly significant swelling (the cyst is still present in the posterior) and stiffness.
The last few weeks, I have trained as scheduled throughout the week and the swelling persisted until Sunday. I currently squat in some form 4 days a week. I could sub-out 1 or 2 of the squat sessions with an alternative exercise. I am pretty sure that would reduce the swelling throughout the week but it really only takes one squat session for it to return.
My question … is the swelling (in the absence of pain) a reason to not continue training as normal?
The plan you outlined sounds like a good idea. No, there isn’t a large concern with the swelling. No reason to stop training but if the swelling becomes bothersome or impedes your ability to function, then perhaps adjusting loading to the area and then ramping back up will be helpful long term. Keep us posted.