Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB Syndrome)

The Iliotibial band (ITB) is a fibrous band extending from the hip to the outside of the knee. It is involved in stabilising the hip and knee, particularly in activities such as running.

ITB friction syndrome occurs due to ITB rubbing over the lower end of the femur. Pain usually comes on from long distance running, especially when running down hills or stairs. It can happen suddenly or come on gradually over time. It usually presents as pain over the outside of the knee, which quite often hurts to touch. Pain is aggravated by repetitive bending of the knee and walking downstairs.

Main Causes of ITB syndrome:

• Weak hip stabilising muscles and poor core stability
• Poor foot biomechanics
• Tight muscles such as hamstrings, calves, gluteals, quadriceps and hip flexors
• Overtraining
• Running technique issues such as over-striding
• Incorrect footwear

Characteristics/ Clinical Presentation of ITB syndrome

• pain along the lateral aspect of knee joint or, in some cases, at the hip joint or greater trochanter;
• aggravation of the pain with activities that involve both the knee and hip such as cycling or running;
• any motion that increases pressure on the heels increases the intensity of the pain, such as running down hills or descending stairs
• Occasional popping sound while running.

Physiotherapy Management for ITB syndrome:

In York-med physiotherapy our registered physiotherapists would help you to find out the reason for the problem and that can be addressed. Initially treatment might involve icing and resting from aggravating activity. It is important to have this condition treated as soon as possible as it can take a long time to settle if the above causes are not addressed, meaning a prolonged period of rest from running.

Treatment typically will consist of soft tissue massage of leg muscles, dry needling by our acupunctures and appropriate stretches and strengthening exercises.