OVERVIEW

What Is IT Band Syndrome?

The IT (iliotibial) band is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the outside of your leg. It starts at the hip and extends to the outer side of the shinbone just below the knee joint.

The IT band works with the muscles in your thigh to provide stability to the outside of the knee joint.

IT band syndrome happens when the IT band becomes too tight. This can cause friction at the top of your hip or near your knee.

IT band syndrome causes and risk factors

When you flex and extend your knee, the IT band rubs over the bone and can cause inflammation. When the IT band is inflamed, it doesn't glide easily. This can be painful.

People at risk of IT band syndrome are those who suddenly increase their level of activity, such as runners who increase their mileage very quickly.

Mechanical problems in your gait are also a main cause of IT band syndrome.

These include:

• Over-pronation
• Uneven leg length
• Bow legs

SYMPTOMS

IT band syndrome symptoms

IT band syndrome often causes symptoms such as:

• Pain or aching on the outer side of the knee.
• A clicking or rubbing sensation on the side of your knee.
• Pain that increases with activity.

IT band syndrome diagnosis

In most cases, physicians can diagnose IT band syndrome without any complex tests.

Because a number of conditions can cause pain on the outside of the knee, your physician will:

• Perform a physical exam and look at your entire leg.
• Ask about your medical history and any other past injuries.

Your physician may also order x-rays to confirm that  prior injuries aren't adding to the problem.

TREATMENT

IT Band Syndrome Treatment

Your physiotherapist will devise a treatment plan aimed at:

• Relieving inflammation.
• Easing pain.
• Strengthening your outside hip muscles (abductors) and core stabilizing muscles
• Stretching tight hip muscles

Nonsurgical IT band syndrome treatment

IT band syndrome treatments can include:

• Rest and ice
• Temporary reduction of training.
• Orthotics to correct alignment.

IT band syndrome surgery

People with IT band syndrome rarely need surgery to correct their problems.

Surgery involves removing the bursa, and releasing or lengthening the IT band just enough to reduce the friction when you bend and straighten your knee.

IT band syndrome prevention tips

You may be able to prevent IT band syndrome, or help it from getting worse, with exercises and stretches.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• Have a good base of conditioning.
• Gradual introduction of activity.
• Warm-up and dynamic stretching prior to exercise.
• Wearing appropriate shoes for activity.
• Avoiding running on the same surface in the same direction repetitively

 

 

 

 

Content supplemented by UPMC Sports Medicine