Symptoms of popliteal cysts include localized swelling and pain, which is mostly evident when the knee is hyperextended, and occasionally joint stiffness. Popliteal cyst is a collective term for an enlarged bursa deep in the popliteal fossa or a backward expansion of the synovial bursa of the knee, which can be palpated as an elastic soft tissue mass on examination. Common causes include strenuous exercise, prolonged sitting, prolonged standing, and prolonged walking. Patients with popliteal cysts may be asymptomatic in the early stage. As the disease progresses, the cysts gradually increase in size and swelling of the popliteal fossa occurs, and a smooth and fluctuating cystic mass can be palpated at the back of the knee joint, and the cysts may compress the veins, leading to ischemia of the lower limbs, and the swelling will be more pronounced. When the cyst compresses the nerves leading to peripheral neuropathy, the patient may experience numbness and pain, etc. If the cyst ruptures it can lead to inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues, which can cause severe pain. When popliteal cysts are found, it is recommended that patients seek timely medical examination and standardized treatment, so as not to delay the condition.