The iliotibial band (IT band) is a band of tissue that runs from the pelvis to the top of the tibia along the outside of the thigh. IT band syndrome is a frequent source of pain in runners, but it can affect athletes in other sports as well.
Causes of IT band syndrome
The pain arises from friction between the iliotibial band and the lateral femoral epicondyle. Runners develop this problem as an overuse injury, and it is thought that hills and banked surfaces, such as running on the beach, can contribute to the symptoms. It’s also thought to be a problem seen more frequently in athletes who have a varus alignment to their knee, or more simply, are bowlegged.
Signs and symptoms
Typically runners with IT band syndrome complain of pain on the outside of their knees while running that goes away after the run. Typically the main complaint is pain, but runners often complain of a snapping sensation on the outside of their knees. Typically no acute event initiates the symptoms, but the pain or snapping gets worse over time.
Most runners have dealt with IT band issues at some point in their running careers, and often they note that it goes away on its own. If the pain and snapping persist, I usually recommend that they see a sports medicine physician to confirm the diagnosis or work with a physical therapist. Examination typically reveals very localized tenderness on the outside of the knee above the joint, along the lateral femoral epicondyle, which is a bony prominence on the outside of the knee. Often flexing and extending the knee while feeling this bony area can reproduce a snapping sensation. The iliotibial band can be felt to snap back and forth across the bone.
Treatment options of IT band syndrome
Fortunately treatment is almost always nonsurgical. As I said, runners often note that this problem resolves on its own. Anti-inflammatory medications and ice to the painful area are often enough to help resolve the problem. Occasionally working with a physical therapist for stretching exercises for the IT band can be helpful. Sometimes the physical therapist can determine whether orthotics for the shoes that might decrease pressure on the outside of the knee might be helpful. If the symptoms continue to aggravate the runner despite anti-inflammatories, stretching, and ice, occasionally I will try a cortisone injection into the affected area. The cortisone doesn’t go into the knee joint but is injected into the IT band at the lateral femoral epicondyle. Almost always the cortisone injection helps decrease the inflammation between the Iliotibial band and the bone at this area and helps the symptoms go away. Very rarely surgical treatment to release a small portion of the iliotibial band at this area is needed.
Also read:
Iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome: Common cause of knee pain in runners and cyclists
5 common running injuries
Recommended Products and Resources
Click here to go to Dr. David Geier’s Amazon Influencer store!
Due to a large number of questions I have received over the years asking about products for health, injuries, performance, and other areas of sports, exercise, work and life, I have created an Amazon Influencer page. While this information and these products are not intended to treat any specific injury or illness you have, they are products I use personally, have used or have tried, or I have recommended to others. THE SITE MAY OFFER HEALTH, FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER SUCH INFORMATION, BUT SUCH INFORMATION IS DESIGNED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT DOES NOT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY MEDICAL ADVICE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. THE SITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION ON A USER’S PART BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED ON THE SITE. Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
