ITB SYNDROME | Oxford Physical Therapy

Description:
The Iliotibial Band (ITB) is a thick band of tissue that runs from your hip down past your lateral knee. ITB friction syndrome is an overuse injury caused by repetitive friction of the iliotibial band across the lateral aspect of the knee. It has also been found that injury to the iliotibial band and related structures may be noted as lateral “hip” or lateral thigh pain, but more commonly as lateral knee pain.

Signs & Symptoms:
• Sharp sometimes incapacitating lateral knee pain

• Burning sensation on the lateral aspect of the knee

• Runs typically start out pain-free but after a certain time they become problematic

• May have pain while walking, ascending and descending stairs

Causes:
• Overuse condition caused by the occurrence of an excessive amount of friction between the ITB itself and the lateral knee

• Tight hip and leg muscles, tight iliotibial band

• Bowleggedness

• Excessive overpronation

• Leg length differences

Treatment:
• Reduction in activity

• Oral anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen/Naproxen)

• Ice

• Lower extremity and ITB stretches

• Avoid running on crowned surfaces or too much running the same direction around a track

• Properly fit, biomechanically correct shoe

• Strengthen hip muscles

If Conservative Treatment Fails:

• Physical therapy, if injury doesn’t respond to self-treatment in 1 to 2 weeks, whichmay include custom fabricated orthotics if appropriate

• Orthopaedic physician – if injury does not respond to physical therapy treatment, a cortisone injection into the ITB, or surgery to release the ITB may be indicated

Alternative Exercises to Lessen the Stress on the Leg:

• Swimming, pool running, cycling (in low gear)

• Avoid any exercise that places strain onto the ITB, specifically, avoid stair-climbing

Prevention:
• Stretching of the ITB, quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles

• Strengthening of quadriceps, hamstrings, hip and calf muscles

• Biomechanically correct shoes, specifically motion-control shoes and orthotics to correct overpronation

• Gradual progression of training program

• Avoid excessive downhill running, and stay on the flattest part of the road

• Incorporate rest periods into your training

	FOR AN APPOINTMENT CALL 513.701.6100 FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU
HOME ABOUT US TEAM COMPANY FEATURES/SERVICES PROGRAMS AQUATIC PHYSICAL THERAPY ERGONOMIC EVALUATION IN THE WORKPLACE FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATIONS GOLF FITNESS KINESIO TAPING MANUAL THERAPY FOR SPINE & JOINT REHABILITATION PRE-NATAL/POST-NATAL PROGRAM POST OFFER SCREENS/JOB PLACEMENT ANALYSIS SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TRANSITION PROGRAM VESTIBULAR & BALANCE REHABILITATION PATIENT INFORMATION FORMS INSURANCE LIST FAQ’s FIRST VISIT ONLINE PAYMENT OXFORD LIFE VIDEOS PARTNERS TESTIMONIALS EVENT CALENDAR NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES INJURY TREATMENT & PREVENTION BLOG LOCATIONS OXFORD CENTER TRI-COUNTY/FAIRFIELD CENTER BLUE ASH CENTER HYDE PARK/RED BANK CENTER MASON CENTER HAMILTON CENTER WEST SIDE CENTER FLORENCE CENTER INDEPENDENCE CENTER MONTGOMERY CENTER CRESTVIEW HILLS CENTER CONTACT CONTACT US CAREERS
ITB SYNDROME Description: The Iliotibial Band (ITB) is a thick band of tissue that runs from your hip down past your lateral knee. ITB friction syndrome is an overuse injury caused by repetitive friction of the iliotibial band across the lateral aspect of the knee. It has also been found that injury to the iliotibial band and related structures may be noted as lateral “hip” or lateral thigh pain, but more commonly as lateral knee pain. Signs & Symptoms: • Sharp sometimes incapacitating lateral knee pain • Burning sensation on the lateral aspect of the knee • Runs typically start out pain-free but after a certain time they become problematic • May have pain while walking, ascending and descending stairs Causes: • Overuse condition caused by the occurrence of an excessive amount of friction between the ITB itself and the lateral knee • Tight hip and leg muscles, tight iliotibial band • Bowleggedness • Excessive overpronation • Leg length differences Treatment: • Reduction in activity • Oral anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen/Naproxen) • Ice • Lower extremity and ITB stretches • Avoid running on crowned surfaces or too much running the same direction around a track • Properly fit, biomechanically correct shoe • Strengthen hip muscles If Conservative Treatment Fails: • Physical therapy, if injury doesn’t respond to self-treatment in 1 to 2 weeks, whichmay include custom fabricated orthotics if appropriate • Orthopaedic physician – if injury does not respond to physical therapy treatment, a cortisone injection into the ITB, or surgery to release the ITB may be indicated Alternative Exercises to Lessen the Stress on the Leg: • Swimming, pool running, cycling (in low gear) • Avoid any exercise that places strain onto the ITB, specifically, avoid stair-climbing Prevention: • Stretching of the ITB, quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles • Strengthening of quadriceps, hamstrings, hip and calf muscles • Biomechanically correct shoes, specifically motion-control shoes and orthotics to correct overpronation • Gradual progression of training program • Avoid excessive downhill running, and stay on the flattest part of the road • Incorporate rest periods into your training
Our Mission: Oxford Physical Therapy Centers lead in musculoskeletal healthcare by serving, rehabilitating, and caring for the total patient & athlete. Our commitment is demonstrated by engaging in education, advancing our profession, and acting as a resource to our community. © 2012 OXFORD PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTERS \| VIEW SITEMAP