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What Causes Swelling In The Calf And Knee?

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Posted on Wed, 22 Mar 2017
Twitter Wed, 22 Mar 2017 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 10 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on
Question : I have a bulb or swelling or the right calf under my kneecap. Not sure how long I've had it. I noticed it about 2weeks ago. There is now pain or tenderness just a puffy spot about 2x3
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Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Morrant Baker's cyst or Bursitis most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
Noted your history and understood the concerns.

If the swelling is behind the knee this is most probably a Morrant Baker's cyst and is an extension of the capsule with its synovial membrane. Hence it is painful. Almost vanished if you bend the knee and becomes prominent on extending/straightening the knee.

If this is under the knee cap, it is most probably a bursa. This too is painless.
I would advise you the following in such a situation.
Consult an Orthopedic Surgeon for clinical evaluation, examination and get an MRI of the affected knee and leg area to get a confirmed diagnosis to get a proper plan of management.

I hope this answer helps you.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19774 Questions

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What Causes Swelling In The Calf And Knee?

Brief Answer: Morrant Baker's cyst or Bursitis most probably Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific. Noted your history and understood the concerns. If the swelling is behind the knee this is most probably a Morrant Baker's cyst and is an extension of the capsule with its synovial membrane. Hence it is painful. Almost vanished if you bend the knee and becomes prominent on extending/straightening the knee. If this is under the knee cap, it is most probably a bursa. This too is painless. I would advise you the following in such a situation. Consult an Orthopedic Surgeon for clinical evaluation, examination and get an MRI of the affected knee and leg area to get a confirmed diagnosis to get a proper plan of management. I hope this answer helps you. Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.