Iliotibial Band Syndrome - symptoms & treatment

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (Runners Knee)

Symptoms of Iliotibial Band Syndrome

·         Pain on the outside of the knee (at or around the lateral epicondyle of the femur)

·         Tightness in the iliotibial band

·         Pain normally aggravated by running, particularly downhill

·         Pain during flexion or extension of the knee, made worse by pressing in at the side of the knee over the sore part

·         Weakness in hip abduction

·         Tender trigger points in the gluteal area may also be present

 

What causes IT band syndrome

 

Certain factors may make you more susceptible to developing iliotibial band syndrome:

·         A naturally tight or wide IT band

·         Weak hip muscles such as gluteus medius

·         Trigger points within the IT band and gluteal muscles

·         Overpronation

·         Overuse

·         Excessive hill running

·         Running on a cambered surface

·         Leg length difference

·         Most of these factors can be addressed through changes to your training programme, the use of insoles or heel pads and a thorough rehabilitation programme.

·         Iliotibial band friction syndrome may require long-term rehabilitation and frequent Iliotibial band stretches should be maintained even after symptoms cease.

 

Treatment of Iliotibial Band Syndrome

 

What can the athlete do?

·         Rest

·         Avoid painful stimuli, for example downhill running

·         Apply cold therapy or ice to reduce any inflammation

·         Stretch the Iliotibial band after training

·         Self massage techniques can also be very helpful in correcting excessive ITB tightness

·         See a sports injury specialist

What can a Sports Injury Professional do?  

·         Perform soft tissue or deep friction massage

·         Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication such as NSAID’s e.g. Ibuprofen

·         Use Myofascial release techniques which have been shown 

       to be highly effective

·         Perform dry-needling techniques

·         Outline a rehabilitation strategy which may include 

       stretches and exercises to strengthen the hip abductors

·         Use electrotherapeutic treatment techniques such as TENS or ultrasound to reduce pain and inflammation

·         In acute or prolonged cases a corticosteroid injection into the site of irritation may provide pain relief

 

Kevin O’Toole

Physical Therapist & Sports Massage Therapist

            Fitzwilliam Health Clinic, 19 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2 

            Tel: 01 66189489 Email: info@fitzwilliamhealth.ie

www.fitzwilliamhealth.ie