Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)

What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)?

The iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) causes pain on the outside of the knee and is particularly common in runners (often referred to as “runner’s knee”).

The IT band is a thick tissue band that starts at the pelvis, runs down the outside of the thigh and crosses the knee, eventually attaching to the top part of the main shinbone (tibia).

While anyone may develop ITBS, the condition is most common in athletes and younger people. Most patients have ITBS in one leg, but some may have it in both legs. The latter is known as bilateral iliotibial band syndrome.

Do I Have IT Band Syndrome?

IT Band Syndrome is caused by overuse of the connective tissues on the outer thigh and knee, running along the lateral outside aspect of the thigh.

ITBS pain initially starts after exercise. Over time, it becomes present throughout your exercise session and can progress to the point where it is constant, even while you are at rest.

When it comes to runners, more females develop ITBS symptoms than men. ITBS is the second leading cause of knee pain in runners. Even if you have IT band syndrome symptoms, remember that a formal medical diagnosis is necessary.

IT Band Syndrome Symptoms

Suspect that you might have iliotibial band syndrome symptoms if you experience any of the following:

• Pain on the knee’s lateral side and inflammation
• Hearing a popping or snapping sound at the knee
• Pain may radiate along the IT band to the outside of the thigh up through the hip

At first, pain relating to ITBS is generally described as aching or burning. As ITBS worsens, so does the pain, which can turn from aching to sharp. Pain from ITBS may also extend beyond the knee to the hip or leg.

Common ITBS Causes
Causes of IT band syndrome include:

• Flat feet
• Overused running shoes
• Incorrect shoe size
• Rapid change to workout intensity
• Poor running form
• Quick transition from working out on a treadmill to running outside

IT band syndrome results from overuse of the knee joint, which stresses the connective tissues on the outer part of the knee/thigh, and pain worsens with activity.

Those who suffer from it may notice a lack of stability and a loss of range of motion in their affected knee(s). Other athletes may sustain an IT band injury from any exercise that requires repeated squatting.

A combination of issues can cause IT band syndrome, including:

• Hereditary anatomical issues, such as different-length of the legs, an abnormal pelvic tilt, or bowed legs (genu varum)
• Poor training habits
• Lack of muscle flexibility
• Failure to stretch properly prior to exercising
• Mechanical imbalances in other areas of the body, particularly those involving the lower back, pelvis, and hips

Iliotibial Band Syndrome Diagnosis

Your knee doctor will perform a physical examination of your knee and take into account your health history. The doctor may also ask about the sports in which you participate, as basketball players, cyclists, and the aforementioned runners, are prone to ITBS.

The exam will include testing the range of motion of your knee, strength and checking for knee tenderness. Your knee surgeon may need imaging tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, to confirm a diagnosis and to rule out other causes of knee pain, such as osteoarthritis, or a torn meniscus.

The doctor may also recommend training modification so that muscle training sessions in athletes are increased.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome Treatment Options

In some cases, IT Band Syndrome can be prevented, but your knee surgeon may recommend the following strategies to help relieve your symptoms.

Treatments Include:

• Resting the knee
• Icing the outside of your knee
• Taking anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid / Cortisone Injections
• Physical Therapy stretching and strengthening exercises
• Avoid high impact activities like running and cycling
• Making changes to your equipment, like lowering your bike seat or replacing your running shoes regularly
• Working with a sports performance specialist to improve your running form

When to See a Doctor for IT Band Syndrome

If your symptoms do not improve after several weeks of following the recommended treatments for IT Band Syndrome, or if you deal with persistent pain, plan to see aknee surgeon at Hoag Orthopedic Institute to ensure there isn’t a more serious underlying condition causing your knee pain.

The same is true if your IT band syndrome symptoms stop for a period after the recommended treatments but then recur. If your condition is such that ITBS is seriously affecting your mobility and quality of life, surgery may prove necessary.

If you need to find a knee doctor, don’t hesitate to contact us at Hoag Orthopedic Institute today!

Ready to learn more about how we can help you with iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome? Contact Hoag Orthopedic Institute at (949) 705-6493 today.

Find a Knee Surgeon