Popliteal cysts do not heal on their own and require treatment to heal. Popliteal cyst is a collective term for an enlarged bursa in the deep popliteal fossa or a backward bulging synovial bursa of the knee, which in severe cases causes pain and swelling at the back of the knee and can be palpated as an elastic soft tissue mass. Once discovered, popliteal cysts only gradually increase in size and, as they increase in size, they gradually produce pressure on the surrounding soft tissues, nerves and blood vessels, resulting in swelling and pain in the lower leg and even affecting the sensation and movement of the lower leg. In this case, surgical excision is required to completely peel out the wall of the popliteal cyst and the jelly-like material inside it, followed by subcutaneous and skin suturing. With proper treatment, popliteal cysts can be largely cured, usually without sequelae, and with a low recurrence rate. Patients who develop popliteal cysts should be promptly seen and treated in the orthopedic department of the hospital. Postoperative braking of the affected limb, such as plaster immobilization for 2 weeks, is required to effectively prevent recurrence.