Iliotibial Band (IT) Syndrome

Definition

Pain and inflammation on the outside of the knee, where the iliotibial band (a muscle on the outside of the thigh) becomes tendinous, and results in a friction syndrome by rubbing against the femur (thigh bone) as it runs alongside the knee joint.

Symptoms

Initially, a dull ache 1-2 kilometres into a run, with pain remaining for the duration of the run. The pain disappears soon after stopping running, later, severe sharp pain which prevents running pain is worse on running downhills, or on cambered surfaces pain may be present when walking up or downstairs.
Local tenderness and inflammation

Causes

Anything that causes the leg to bend inwards, stretching the ITB against the femur overpronation (feet rotate too far inward on impact) tightness of the ITB muscle lack of stretching of the ITB incorrect or worn shoes excessive hill running (especially downhills) and running on cambered surfaces overtraining

Self-treatment

Stop running, especially in the case of severe pain if pain is mild, then reduce training load and intensity, and avoid downhill running and running on cambered surfaces.

Take a course (5 - 7 days) of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen/voltaren/cataflam/mobic) available from your general practitioner or pharmacist.

Apply ice to the knee (for 10 minutes every 2 hours) in order to reduce the inflammation

Self-massage, using an anti-inflammatory gel, to the muscle only (along the outside of the thigh). Do not massage the side of the knee where you feel the pain, as this will only aggravate the friction syndrome stretching of the ITB. Stand with the right leg crossed in the back of the left leg. Extend the left arm against a wall/pole/chair/other stable object. Lean your weight against the object while pushing your right hip in the opposite direction. Keep your right foot anchored while allowing your left knee to flex. You should feel the stretch in the ITB muscle in the right hip and along the outside of the right thigh. Hold for 30 sec. Relax slowly.

Repeat to opposite side. Repeat stretch 2 - 3 times per day.

Remember to stretch well before running

Return to running gradually

Full recovery is usually between three to six weeks

Medical treatment

Sports Medicine Doctor, if injury doesn't respond to self-treatment in 2 to 3 weeks

Orthotist or podiatrist for custom-made orthotics to control overpronation

Orthopaedic surgeon - if injury does not respond to treatment, a cortisone injection into the ITB, or surgery to release the ITB may be indicated.

Alternative exercises

Swimming, pool running, cycling (in low gear) "spinning"

Avoid any exercise that places strain onto the ITB, specifically, avoid stair-climbing

Preventative measures

Stretching of the ITB, quadriceps, hamstring, and gluteal muscles. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds, relax slowly. Repeat stretches 2 - 3 times per day. Remember to stretch well before running.

Strengthening of quadriceps, hamstring and calf muscles.

Correct shoes, specifically motion-control shoes and orthotics to correct overpronation

Gradual progression of training program

Avoid excessive downhill running, and cambered roads (stay on the flattest part of the road)

Incorporate rest into training program

This information is provided for educational purposes only. Self-diagnosis of injuries is not recommended. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of all injuries.

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