Knee Problems Archives

baker's cyst affect on running

I have read most of the archive re: baker's cyst and have a question:
Background: I'm male, 37, always been very active and athletic. I had a MCL tear in my left knee 20 years ago and to this day my left leg is 'weaker' than my right (lots of crunching and popping under the kneecap. I don't do any sort of squats anymore, going up stairs with lots of weight on my left can be painful). Over the past few years I've increase my distance running quite a bit. I now run 25-30 miles/week, ran a 1/2 marathon last month and am training to run a marathon in the spring. I've noticed that the muscles in my right leg are more developed than my left. I think I favor my left due to my old injury. Even with all the running, my left leg and knee feels fine. My right, however, seems to be overcompensating and I've self-diagnosed a Baker's Cyst based on what I've read. It seems to come and go and is about the size of a golfball at its max. It's not really painful and I don't have pain under the kneecap, but I do 'know it's there'. I thought maybe I've worn out my shoes and lost the cushioning which might increase the stress? Too much downhill running?
My question: Am I risking arthritis or serious injury if I keep running? Should I have it looked at by an Orthopod? Should I simply keep an eye on it but keep running as long as it feels ok?
thank you!

baker's affect on running How to look at degenerativeknee conditions. Archive