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Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Symptoms & Pathologies

 

 

ITB 1

ITB FlexedIT Band Syndrome (ITBS) is another condition often causing knee pain. This syndrome involves non-contractile soft tissue located on the outside of the leg running from the hip to below the knee known as the Iliotibial Band.  ITBS is one of the most common causes of lateral knee pain in runners and cyclists.  Dysfunction of this band of soft tissue often causes friction and irritation to various structures on the outside of the knee such as the lateral epicondyle of the femur, or the fat pad and bursa in between.  Symptoms of ITBS include lateral knee pain when running (worse downhill), palpable pain on the outside of the knee joint, or pain when climbing stairs.
Possible Treatments:

    1. IT Band Strap: to reduce friction and irritation at the lateral aspect of the knee.
    2. Orthotics: improve biomechanical alignment of the lower extremities and allow for improved gait mechanics.
    3. Stretching and Soft Tissue Massage: of IT Band and hamstrings
    4. Strengthening: hip abductor, hip internal/external rotators, and quadriceps strengthening
    5. Ice and other modalities: to reduce pain and inflammation

     

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    Author:
    Matt Sato, PT, DPT

    References:

    Orthopedic Physical Assessment, 4th Edition. David J. Magee, 2006.

    www.medicinenet.com/patellofemoral_syndrome/article.htm

    www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/307850-overview

     

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