Dr Rosemary Leonard

Q Q

I’VE been suffering discomfort behind my knee, especially when I straighten it right out, or when I bend it. An ultrasound has shown I have a Baker’s cyst.

My doctor has said that this is nothing to worry about, and I felt he was dismissing the problem. I’d like to know if there is anything can be done about it.

AA BAKER’S cyst is a cyst that develops behind the knee that is filled with the fluid that is usually found inside the knee joint.

In older people, it usually develops if there is an underlying problem inside the knee, such as arthritis or torn cartilage.The resulting inflammation increases the production of fluid inside the knee capsule, which bulges out backwards.

Small cysts usually don’t cause any symptoms, but larger ones can feel uncomfortable, and make it difficult to fully bend your knee.

Reducing the underlying inflammation inside the knee can be helpful, such as wrapping an ice pack around it for about half an hour, several times a day.

I recommend a re-usable freeze pack for cold boxes, but wrap it in a tea towel to protect your skin.

Taking anti-inflammatory tablets can help too.

If the cyst is large, then it is usually possible for your doctor to drain the fluid away with a needle and syringe, but unfortunately the bigger the cyst the more likely it is to re-fill again soon afterwards.

If the joint is very inflamed, then a steroid injection may help too.

Persistent, large troublesome cysts can be surgically removed, either by keyhole or open surgery.

However, in all cases it is important to be sure that it is the cyst that is the cause of the discomfort. If the symptoms are actually due to underlying arthritis, then this is what needs to be treated, rather than the cyst.

I’VE seen the adverts on TV urging people with long-term conditions to be more active. I’ve got COPD and am aware I do no exercise at all, because I get breathless so easily. But what can I do about it?

AIN Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), there is permanent damage to the airways inside the lungs, which are inflamed and narrowed.

It’s usually caused by smoking, and while stopping as soon as possible helps stop any further damage, many ex-smokers are affected.

The most common symptoms are a persistent cough, often with phlegm, and breathlessness, especially during exertion.

Though people with mild COPD can often do some exercise without too much difficulty, those with more severe lung damage find even mild exertion, such as walking up stairs, makes them very breathless.

However, just a little activity can bring health benefits, including not only improving your breathing, but also your general fitness, and it can also help with weight control.

To begin with, I suggest you see your GP, to check that you are on the best possible treatment, as several new inhalers have become available recently for patients with COPD.

Also ask about being referred for “pulmonary rehabilitation”, a series of sessions over a few weeks, that includes not only nutritional advice and education on COPD, but physical activity and advice on exercise.

Being more active does not need to involve doing formal exercise, or joining a gym. Just moving more