IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Syndrome)
Iliotibial Band Syndrome is one of the leading causes of lateral knee pain in runners. The iliotibial tract (iliotibial band) is a superficial thickening of tissue on the outside of the thigh, extending from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and knee, and inserting just below the knee.
The iliotibial band is crucial to stabilizing the knee during running, moving from behind the femur to the front while walking.
The continual rubbing of the band over the lateral femoral epicondyle, combined with the repeated flexion and extension of the knee during running may cause the area to become inflamed.
Symptoms
Iliotibial Band Syndrome symptoms range from a stinging sensation just above the knee joint (on the outside of the knee or along the entire length of the iliotibial band) to swelling or thickening of the tissue at the point where the band moves over the femur. The pain may not occur immediately during activity, but may intensify over time, especially as the foot strikes the ground. Pain might persist after the activity. Pain may also be present below the knee, where the iliotibial band actually attaches to the tibia.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome can also occur where the iliotibial band connects to the hip, though this is less likely as a sports injury. It commonly occurs during pregnancy, as the connective tissues loosen and the woman gains weight – each process adding more pressure. Iliotibial band syndrome at the hip also commonly affects the elderly. Iliotibial band syndrome at the hip is studied less, therefore fewer treatments are generally known.
Whatever is required depends on the degree of iliotibial band syndrome presented, and that is why it is important to have a team of doctors that is able to identify the root injury. At BBC Health in Lewisville, Texas, we know how to identify, treat, or refer in the proper direction for iliotibial band syndrome.
