If you’re an athlete experiencing pain on the outside of your knee or hip, you might be dealing with iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). This condition occurs when the iliotibial band, a tendon on the outer side of your leg, becomes irritated and swollen from rubbing against the bones in your hip or knee.
ITBS can cause various symptoms, and it often requires a combination of treatments, including physical therapy, medications, or, in rare cases, surgery.
In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for iliotibial band syndrome in a reader-friendly manner.
Table of Contents
Understanding Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The iliotibial band is a flexible tendon that connects your muscles to your bones. When it becomes excessively tight, it can rub against your hip or knee bones, leading to irritation and swelling. ITBS can affect one leg or both legs, with bilateral ITBS being the term used when both legs are affected.
ITBS is commonly observed in athletes who engage in activities such as basketball, cycling, hockey, running, skiing, and soccer. However, even individuals who are not athletes can develop ITBS due to certain factors such as bowed legs, leg length discrepancy, knee arthritis, inward rotation of the ankle, leg or foot, and weakness in the hip, butt, or abdominal muscles.
It is worth noting that ITBS is more prevalent among U.S. Marines during training, affecting over 20% of them, and accounts for approximately 12% of running injuries.
Causes of Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Several factors can contribute to the development of ITBS. These include excessive foot pronation, hip abductor weakness, internal tibial torsion, medial compartment arthritis leading to genu varum, and preexisting iliotibial band tightness.
Other factors that can cause the iliotibial band to rub against the bones include cooling down too quickly after exercising, lack of rest, insufficient stretching before exercise, overexertion during physical activity, running on uneven surfaces, running downhill, and wearing worn-out shoes.
Symptoms of Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The symptoms of ITBS can manifest in various ways. Common signs include hip pain, clicking sensations on the outside of the knee, knee pain, warmth, and redness on the outside of the knee.
Initially, the pain may occur after exercising, but as the syndrome progresses, it can be present throughout the activity and even at rest. People with ITBS often describe the pain as aching and burning, which can intensify over time.
Diagnosing Iliotibial Band Syndrome
To diagnose ITBS, a healthcare provider will evaluate your exercise history, symptoms, and perform a physical examination. During the examination, they may check for grating sounds or feelings when the knee or hip moves, pain over the greater trochanter in the hip, and pain at the lateral epicondyle in the knee.
The healthcare provider may also utilize tests like the Noble and Ober test to assess movement and determine the source of pain. Imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential injuries.
Treatment Options
The treatment of ITBS may involve a combination of strategies, depending on the severity of the condition. Rest is often recommended to allow the affected leg to heal. Pain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Manual therapy, including foam rolling, can provide relief and promote healing. Physical therapy is a crucial aspect of treatment, as it involves stretches, strengthening exercises, and other modalities to alleviate hip and knee pain, lengthen the iliotibial band, and prevent recurrence.
Posture training can help correct any body alignment issues contributing to ITBS. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered to reduce inflammation. Surgery is a rare option, reserved for cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief.
Recovery and Prevention
With appropriate treatment, a significant percentage of individuals with ITBS experience improvement within four to eight weeks. It is essential to follow healthcare provider recommendations and gradually return to normal activities once pain-free.
To reduce the risk of developing ITBS, athletes can modify their activities by avoiding running on slanted surfaces, maintaining proper technique, gradually increasing training intensity, warming up and cooling down adequately, and wearing supportive shoes.
When to Seek Medical Assistance
If your knee or hip pain persists or worsens after a few weeks, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider. Prompt medical attention can ensure proper diagnosis and timely intervention.
The Bottom Line
Iliotibial band syndrome can be a frustrating condition for athletes and individuals alike. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment are essential for a successful recovery.
With rest, physical therapy, medications, and other treatments, most individuals can overcome ITBS and return to their regular activities. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider to receive personalized guidance and support throughout your recovery journey.