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Iliotibial band (ITB) pain syndrome generally presents as a pain on the outside aspect of the knee that gradually increases over a few days to weeks. Pain generally occurs on extension of the leg just before the heel strike phase of running/walking, and a squeaking can sometimes be heard on extension and flexion of the knee. It can be a result of wearing worn-out shoes, running downhill or on banked surfaces, running on tracks in the same direction, or simply running too many miles. ITB pain affects seasoned runners almost as much as beginners.
Evidence suggests that downhill running, or slow jogging are major causes of this syndrome and that running at faster speeds is a less likely cause as the knee is not held between 30-40º of knee flexion for prolonged periods. Rubbing of the ITB on the lateral epicondyle of the femur occurs between the 30-40 º of knee flexion.
Pain generally occurs on extension of the leg just before the heel strike phase of running/walking, and a squeaking can sometimes be heard on extension and flexion of the knee.
The main functions of the ITB are to assist the hip muscles in abduction (outward movement) of the thigh and to stabilize the outside aspect of the knee. The ITB is not a strong structure, and if the surrounding muscles have any weakness this can predispose a person to injury and ITB syndrome. Runners are notoriously weak in their hip and core muscles, particularly if strength training or exercises involving side-to-side movements are not part of their normal training regime.
Our therapists and doctors are trained to assess the symptoms of this type of condition to diagnose the problem. You may need gait analysis and assessment of walking and jogging patterns to determine if you need orthotics as well as a thorough examination of the low back and affected leg.
Our therapists are all able to treat this condition so book in for physiotherapy, osteopathy or chiropractic treatment. If the condition is severe and needs further treatment such as injections or further investigation e.g. MRI, our MSK and Sport & Exercise Medicine doctors are here to help you.
There are a lot of treatments for this condition once a diagnosis has been made. The syndrome will usually respond to manual therapy and stretching regimes, orthotics may also be of benefit and in severe cases a steroid injection may be necessary.
Following treatment at Blackberry Clinic, Milton Keynes my back pain improved and I could play for my country again
After a course of Prolotherapy my back pain has gone and I live a normal life. I can’t thank Dr Petrides enough for giving me back my quality of life
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Lorena has changed my life. Four months ago, having been diagnosed as having “severe, acute and chronic” disc degeneration I genuinely thought I was facing a life of disability (I am 49).
Lorena has re-taught me how to move my body and how to think about what muscles I engage to a point that I am now running, swimming and doing pilates again and have almost full flexibility in my spine. It almost feels like Lorena can see through your skin to your muscles, so profound is her understanding of how the body moves.
Just wanted to say please pass my thanks to my osteopath, I came yesterday with terrible back and shoulder pain and today I am pain free, am well delighted as had a day planned with friends was worried I wouldn’t enjoy, please pass my thanks onto her.
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