What if a cortisone shot doesn't help a baker's cyst?

Surgery: A baker's cyst is often the result of the problem and not the cause of it, especially if it is relatively small. Make sure the problem is not an underlying arthritis. Surgery is an option if the cyst is the major issue.

Find cause: A baker's cyst almost always has some sort of underlying casue leading to irritation and inflammations of the joint tissues that then secrete the fluid and then - boom - cyst. The cortisone is just trying to settle down the inflammation. But you need to find out what is causing the inflammation and attack that problem. Then you should have more permanent relief of symptoms.