• Fluid-filled sac behind the knee
• Symptoms may include a lump or swelling behind the knee, pain and muscle tightness of the knee
• Cause commonly related to conditions such as arthritis
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but more common in middle age to older adults
• May be mild to severe
• May be life threatening if complications occur

• Rest your leg by using crutches or a walker and slow down on exercise
• Avoid bending or squatting and try to keep leg straight as often as possible
• Elevate your leg on a pillow
• Wrap your knee to decrease swelling

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen