IT Band Syndrome

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is a common injury that plagues runners, cyclists or weight-lifters (especially during squats). ITB syndrome is one of the main causes of knee pain in runners. The IT band is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the outside (lateral) part of the knee, extending from outside the pelvis, over the hip and ending just below the knee. The band is extremely important in stabilizing the knee during running. During activity it moves from behind the femur (thigh bone) top for several weeks at a time or more. 

 

ITBS symptoms could be:

• a stinging feeling above the knee
• swelling of the tissue where the band goes over the femur
• a snapping or popping sensation when the knee is bent
• however Iliotibial band pain is a “side of the knee pain”

The stinging feeling that is felt above the knee joint on the outside of the knee. At times the pain may strengthen over time and may not be felt in the beginning or during activity. In some instances the IT band pain may be felt above or below the knee, where it attaches to the tibia.

Some activities to avoid when suffering from IT band syndrome:

• Running
• Climbing stairs
• Biking
• Squats
• Soccer
• Skiing
• Dancing
• Tennis
• Martial Arts
• Gold
• Basketball
• Skating
• Gymnastics
• Lacrosse

While the causes of ITBS may vary on a person by person basis and at times more than one cause may be a facto have ITB syndrome.

Intrinsic Factors may be:

• Leg length difference
• Limited ankle rang e of motion
• Weakness of the knee muscles
• Poor control of the knee muscles
• Weakness in hip abductors (most common in long distance runners)
• Flat feet or high arches
• Myofascial limitations in the hip and thigh muscles
• Bowed legs
• Knock-Knees

Extrinsic Factors may be:

• Training mistakes
• Excessive mileage
• Improper or old running shoes
• Not warming up or cooling down correctly
• Sudden increase in training intensity
• Sudden increase in miles running
• To much running on a hill

Tissue injury complex must be identified. A diagnostic ultrasound may be the most useful modality to differentiate between tendinopathy or bursitis at the site of injury.

By addressing these two facto minimize stress of the ITB and in turn it will reduce the risk of injury.
Tissue injury complex must be identified. A diagnostic ultrasound may be the most useful modality to differentiate between tendinopathy or bursitis at the site of injury.
When IT band syndrome is acute therapy options could be rest, ice, and elevation. tor strengthening. Gait and running analysis is very helpful in diagnosis and planning of rehabilitation as well as running technique retraining.