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Baker's Cyst

Knee Pain in the Summer Heat?

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If you’re noticing summer knee pain, one often-overlooked culprit might be a Baker’s cyst. Some people have no idea they have one. For others, it can cause noticeable pain, stiffness, or swelling. A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled sac located behind the knee and it often develops in response to inflammation or injury within the joint. Though it might sound rare, it’s actually quite common, especially in adults over 35 who are experiencing knee pain especially after physical activity, or prolonged time on their feet in the summer heat.

It's Not Always Just Knee Pain

As Arizona heats up, many of us get more active, whether it’s early morning hiking, summer travel, or keeping up with kids out of school. But increased activity, especially in the dry summer heat, can aggravate old injuries or bring hidden issues to the surface. Imaging studies have shown that nearly half of patients with knee discomfort have an underlying Baker’s cyst.

Why Summer Makes It Worse

Arizona’s hot, dry climate can impact your joints more than you think. Here’s how summer conditions can aggravate a Baker’s cyst:

  • Increased activity (like hiking, walking, or traveling) stresses the knee joint
  • Dehydration reduces joint lubrication and worsens inflammation
  • Heat-related swelling can contribute to fluid buildup around the joint
  • Less rest and recovery time means the body can’t fully heal minor joint strain

If you have underlying knee issues, like arthritis, a meniscus tear, or a previous ligament injury, your risk of developing or flaring a Baker’s cyst is even higher.

What You Can Do About It

Baker’s cysts can often be managed conservatively, especially if caught early. Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend:

We offer comprehensive, integrative care that addresses both the cyst and the root cause behind it. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, an old knee injury, or recent overuse, our doctors and student clinicians work together to develop a personalized plan that supports healing and prevents recurrence.

Your treatment may include:

  • In-depth evaluation & imaging (like ultrasound) to confirm the cyst and assess the surrounding joint
  • Hands-on therapies including soft tissue work, acupuncture, or hydrotherapy to reduce pain and swelling
  • Natural injection therapies, such as dextrose prolotherapy, hyaluronic acid, or PRP, to support healing from within
  • Image-guided aspiration to remove fluid buildup when necessary
  • Movement-based rehab, like physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, and kinesiology taping, to restore stability and prevent future flares
  • Targeted supplement support for inflammation and joint repair
  • Whole-person care focused on nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle support in Arizona’s hot, dry climate

We don’t just treat symptoms, we help you understand how your body responds to activity, inflammation, and healing. Over time, this empowers you to take control of your joint health.

If you’re struggling with unexplained knee swelling or discomfort, let’s figure out what’s going on. It could be a Baker’s cyst, and the earlier we address it, the better the outcome.

Need more in-depth info? Read our full overview on Baker’s Cysts here.

Commentary for “Knee Pain in the Summer” provided by Sarah Trahan, NMD. For more about Dr. Trahan visit his bio page by clicking here.

Headshot of a women in a light pink blazer | Sarah Trahan