IT Band Syndrome, or Iliotibial Band Syndrome, is a condition we see quite often here at Tulsa Spine & Rehab. The IT band is a long piece of tissue or fascia that runs along the outside lateral aspect of the upper leg. It starts above the hip, runs down past the knee and it’s primary function is to stabilize the knee during walking and running.
Many of our patients suffering from IT Band Syndrome are runners and people who are very active. If you are feeling pain on the outside of your knee, this condition is commonly referred to as “Runner’s Knee.” Those who frequently run up and down stairs will typically present with either lateral knee pain or pain on the outside of the knee, and this pain usually exhibits following a run.
What Causes IT Band Syndrome?
There are various reasons that IT Band Syndrome can occur; one reason is mechanically through the feet where tightness and tension can occur in that band. We always tell runners they should be properly fit with a good pair of running shoes. Running shoes are only good for a certain number of miles and they need to be replaced upon wearing down. A gait analysis can be performed at many running stores and rehab centers, and can be of great benefit to a runner. Your gait is taped to determine how you walk or run and your foot strike can be checked for rolling in or out.
Another reason you might develop IT Band Syndrome is due to tightness in the ankle, and we can determine if your ankle is moving properly. You may also have weakness in your hip abductors which is the big group of muscles on the outside of your hip that serve as stabilizers. If that musculature becomes weak, the IT band can suffer from overload and this will generate knee pain.
Other factors that may come into play with IT band injuries are the type of shoes you purchase and the actual running surface. We always question runners if anything has changed recently in their running habits, such as frequency and duration or running surfaces, such as inclines and declines. We recently had a track student from one of our local universities who was running on a banked surface around a track. That slight banked surface created tension and pressure on her IT band and she eventually developed lateral knee pain.
Treating IT Band Injuries
For someone dealing with this type of injury, the muscle is very tight and there is rubbing which results in inflammation. Our first treatment consists of “RICE.” RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Anti-inflammatories may also be utilized such as Ibuprofen, Advil or Aleve. If the pain is chronic, I always recommend checking in with your physician, your chiropractor or a physical therapist in order to be properly diagnosed.
Once we address your pain issues, the next therapy is stretching; we want to loosen the muscle and release the pressure. There are various treatment protocols that will roll the muscle out and assist in increasing motion while decreasing irritation. Chiropractors typically utilize “ART” or Active Release Techniques as well as myofascial release, all in an effort to stretch and loosen the muscle. We also check to make sure your footwear is up-to-date and we might see if an orthotic could be an option for you. We do some custom fitting here in the clinic and sometimes we refer you to a podiatrist.
Many times the muscle may become tight due to a breakdown or imbalance in another area involving the foot, ankle or hip. As such, a third treatment consists of stabilizing and strengthening the hip abductors to reduce tension.
