Iliotibial band syndrome, commonly known as IT band syndrome, is a frequent source of lateral knee pain in runners. The pain arises from friction between the iliotibial band and the outside of the femur. Runners develop this problem as an overuse injury. Typically the main complaint is pain, but runners often complain of a snapping sensation on the outside of their knees. Treatment is almost always nonsurgical. Anti-inflammatory medications, ice to the painful area, and physical therapy for stretching, strengthening and neuromuscular reeducation are often enough to help resolve the problem. Often doing some exercises for IT band syndrome can relieve your pain and allow you to get back to what you love to do.
In this video, physical therapist Yves Gege and I show a few exercises you can do to try to recover from IT band syndrome.
Remember, these exercise posts, like other information on this site, are not intended to represent specific medical advice. If you have any questions about this injury or of its treatment, make sure to see your doctor or a physical therapist.
Also read:
IT band syndrome: Common cause of knee pain in runners and cyclists