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Illiotibial band syndrome (IT Band Syndrome / ITBS) is one of the leading causes of pain in athletes whose sports involve running. The estimated incidence rate for athletes is believed to be between 5% and 14%.
Traditionally, believed to be an overuse injury, IT Band Syndrome is often described as being caused by friction or rubbing of the iliotibial band (ITB) over the lower part of the femur as the knee extends and flexes. Sufferers of ITBS typically experience pain along the outside of the knee joint. This pain is sometimes accompanied by a clicking sensation which is the result of the IT band tightening and snapping across the joint during physical activity.
ITBS usually starts with tightness, and untreated, can become very painful. Pain from ITBS is typically experienced on the outside of the knee or lower thigh and can be made worse by activities like climbing up and down stairs, getting out of a car, or running up or down hills. A person with ITBS may also feel tenderness in the knee tissue when applying pressure.
It’s believed then that the continual rubbing of the IT band over the outside of the femur may cause swelling, pain or a stinging sensation on the outside of the knee. Recent studies, however, have focused on the frontal and transverse plan mechanics of the knee and lower extremity, suggesting that atypical hip and knee mechanics are the primary factors in development of ITBS.
Studies comparing runners with IT Band Syndrome to healthy runners found that the IT Band Syndrome group exhibited significantly greater hip adduction and knee internal rotation than the control group, leading researcher to reconsider the role of hip and knee in running mechanics.
Subsequent studies have focused on the importance of running mechanics, providing evidence that gait re-training with step rate manipulation may be important for the treatment of IT Band Syndrome. The jury is still out on whether gait re-training is the key to curing ITBS, however, most reports did find that traditional strengthening of the hip abductors and flexibility exercises do contribute to a successful outcome.
Because the most notable symptom of IT Band Syndrome is typically swelling and pain on the outside of the knee, many runners mistakenly think they have a knee injury. It’s critical to rule out a knee problem or other serious injury. Ensuring proper gait as well as strength and flexibility of the hip abductors can be the most effective ways to prevent IT Band Syndrome.
IT Band Syndrome can become extremely painful and debilitating and can sideline a runner completely if not treated in its early stages.
Some risk factors for developing ITBS are:
To prevent being sidelined with ITBS, it is best to prevent ITBS before it happens or to identify it in its very early stages.
Suggestions for preventing ITBS include:
If an athlete begins to notice IT band pain, they should take steps to treat their ITBS before the pain increases. Some steps to treat ITBS include:
Given the relevance of gait, hips positioning and knee rotation to ITBS, it is important to keep the posterior chain strong and flexible with a goal of improving alignment and restoring the workload back to the appropriate muscles.
Stretching exercises targeting the gluteus medius, piriformis, vascus lateralis, gastroc and soleus will help to ensure flexibility along the posterior chain.
The patented StretchRite® features a non-elastic strap which makes it easy to perform each stretch properly and effectively.
STRENGTHEN
Strengthening exercises include focus on the hip abductors, which can include: lateral leg raises, clamshells, hip thrusts, and side
steps/shuffle.
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TOP RUNNING INJURY NO. 7: IT BAND SYNDROME
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RUNNER'S KNEE
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PLEASE NOTE: The information on this website and article is for information only and should not be used as a substitute for consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and rehabilitation.
