It’s a common story in the Sports Medicine doctor’s office- A patient complains of knee pain that begins during a run or bike session, that can be severe, sometimes enough to make them even stop.
One of the most common causes of pain over the outside of the knee, it affects approximately 1 in 12 runners. Iliotibial Band Syndrome occurs in women more frequently than men. Many of these athletes have run for years, often without difficulty, before developing this painful condition. Frequently it is mistaken for a significant knee injury due to the pain and swelling that can develop.
The Iliotibial band is a thick, band-like structure that begins from the hip and ends along the outside of the knee. As it passes along-side the knee, it is located directly over a bony prominence called the lateral femoral condyle. It’s the interaction between these two areas that causes the resulting pain that many athletes experience. Many theories have been implicated in the generation of pain, from a friction type syndrome, to a compression of the underlying tissues.
Some of the risk factors for Iliotibial Band Syndrome include:
One of the most common causes of pain over the outside of the knee, it affects approximately 1 in 12 runners. Iliotibial Band Syndrome occurs in women more frequently than men. Many of these athletes have run for years, often without difficulty, before developing this painful condition. Frequently it is mistaken for a significant knee injury due to the pain and swelling that can develop.
The Iliotibial band is a thick, band-like structure that begins from the hip and ends along the outside of the knee. As it passes along-side the knee, it is located directly over a bony prominence called the lateral femoral condyle. It’s the interaction between these two areas that causes the resulting pain that many athletes experience. Many theories have been implicated in the generation of pain, from a friction type syndrome, to a compression of the underlying tissues.
Some of the risk factors for Iliotibial Band Syndrome include:
- Running on uneven or canted surfaces
- Running on a circular track in only one direction
- Excessive foot/ankle pronation
- Weak hip abductor muscles
- Rapid increase in mileage
While Iliotibial Band Syndrome is the most common causes of pain outside of the knee, it can also be a sign of more worrisome injuries. These can include tears of the meniscus and ligaments on that side of the knee. If symptoms do not respond to conservative treatment it’s important to get checked out by a Sports Medicine professional. Rarely, symptoms continue despite appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, and will require further intervention that can include steroid injection or surgical decompression.
Treatment:
- Stop doing ANY activities that reproduce the pain
- Ice several times a day over painful areas
- Use a foam roller, only over the non-tender portions of the Iliotibial Band
- Use anti-inflammatory medications as needed
- Have your running form checked out by a professional, and address any over-striding/over-pronation issues
Rehabilitation:
- Gluteus Medius Strengthening- aim for 2-3 sets of 30 repetitions of each exercise. Focus on slow, controlled movements.
- Gluteus Maximus Strengthening- aim for 2-3 sets of 15 repetitions of each exercise. Feet shoulder width apart, toes slightly rotated outward, and squat deeply, past 90 degrees.
- Foam Roller- Roll across the non-tender portions of the IT band.
About the Author:
Dr. Michael Cassat is a Sports Medicine Physician who specializes in the non-surgical treatment of athletic injuries. He is skilled in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in patients of all ages. Dr. Cassat focuses on fitness, prevention, and rapid return to activity.
A former collegiate soccer player, Dr. Cassat received a Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Arkansas. He went on to study Family Medicine at the Area Health Education Center Northwest in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he had additional focus on sports and musculoskeletal medicine. He has been a team physician for numerous high school, college, and professional athletes. Dr. Cassat currently serves as the medical director for all Eagle County High School sports.
Dr. Cassat is available to see patients in Frisco, Vail, and Edwards, Colorado. Please call our main office at (970) 476-1100 to schedule an appointment or obtain additional information relating to sports injuries.
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