Most doctors no longer recommend niacin for first line cholesterol control â except for people who can't tolerate statins. In those people, the benefits of niacin may outweigh the risk of potentially serious side effects.
The bulge creates a feeling of tightness behind the knee as well as stiffness and swelling and pain behind the knee and calf. For many, this pain intensifies when flexing or fully extending the leg. Often, these cysts go away without any treatment.
There may be a painless or painful swelling behind the knee. The cyst may feel like a water-filled balloon. Sometimes, the cyst may break open (rupture), causing pain, swelling, and bruising on the back of the knee and calf. It is important to know whether pain or swelling is caused by a Baker's cyst or a blood clot. A blood clot (deep venous thrombosis) can also cause pain, swelling, and bruising on the back of the knee and calf. A blood clot may be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.