IT Band Syndrome

Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome is a very common injury among runners. The iliotibial band is a ligament that runs down the outside of the thing from the hip to the shin. This condition occurs when the iliotibial band is tight or inflamed. When this condition is present, movement of the knee becomes extremely painful.

The most common symptom of IT Band Syndrome is swelling and pain on the outside of the knee. If an individual with this type of injury bends their knee at a 45-degree angle, he or she will feel pain along the outside of the knee. Sometimes an MRI is used to confirm a diagnose of IT Band Syndrome as it can show a partial thickening of the band, which is the result of inflammation.

This syndrome occurs commonly as a result from engaging in an activity that causes the leg to repeatedly turn inward such as running downhill or even wearing worn-out shoes.

The easiest way to get rid of IT Band Syndrome is to rest, stretch and alternate between ice and heat on your knee. If your condition does not improve within several weeks, it is important to seek treatment from your doctor as you may need a cortisone injection to break up scar tissue and speed up your healing.

Runners world (2014). ITBS. http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/itbs-iliotibial-band-syndrome