What is it?
Iliotibial band friction syndrome is a common overuse injury that is associated with pains on the outside of the knee. The iliotibial band is a band of tissue that extends from the hip and runs down the outside of the thigh bone, inserting onto the outside of the knee. This band can easily become tight or inflamed through repetitive bending motion of the knee and therefore, is commonly seen in active runners and cyclists.
What are the symptoms?
- Lateral hip discomfort
- Lateral knee pain (develops at the same time/ distance during the session)
- Pain when bending the knee
- Pain with pressure
- Pain while running, increasing in intensity when running downhill
Why did I get it?
- The most common risk factors patients present with include:
- Tightness and weakness of particular muscle structures around the knee and hip
- Poor lower limb biomechanics
- Overuse
- Incorrect training surface
- Poor footwear
How is it diagnosed?
A thorough clinical assessment and history will generally be sufficient for the diagnosis of iliotibial band friction syndrome. Depending on the severity of symptoms, you may be referred for an Ultrasound or MRI to determine the extent of injury/ to rule out other conditions.
How can I treat it?
Possible treatments include:
- Rest, ice, anti-inflammatories
- Dry needling
- Strengthening/ stretching program
- Custom orthotics
- Footwear advice
- Corticosteroid injection
