Iliotibial Band Syndrome

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Redmond Physical Therapy
Iliotibial Band Symptoms & Pathologies

IT Band ITB Syndrome is a repetitive stress injury caused by excessive friction anywhere along the long strip of the iliotibial fascia which is a band of connective tissue on the outside of the leg between the iliac crest above the hip to the tibia below the knee. Irritation may occur at its origin at the iliac crest (a.k.a. snapping hip syndrome) or at its insertion at the tibia (a.k.a. runners knee).

Causes

Although most ITB friction syndromes have been reported in runners, anyone engaging in activity requiring repeated knee flexion and extension is prone to developing this injury. Specific causes can include

Diminished flexibility
Tight iliotibial band
Training errors
- A sudden increase in mileage
- Training on transverse grades
- Excessive downhill running
- Running in shoes with excessive lateral heel wear
- Running on hard surfaces

Possible Treatments

Physical therapy

Stretching
Strengthening
Soft tissue mobilization
Modalities (e.g. ultrasound or electrical stimulation)
Activity modification
Orthotics

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Author:
Nicole Biberger, PT, MPT, MTC

References:

Critical Pathways in Therapeutic Intervention: Extremities and Spine. David C. Saidoff, Andrew L. McDonough, 2002.

Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis, 3rd Edition. Pamela k. Levangie, Cynthia Norkin, 2001.

Mosby's Medical Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary, 5th Edition. Kenneth N. Anderson, Lois E. Anderson, Walter D. Glanze, 1998.

Physical Rehabilitation: Assessment and Treatment, 4th Edition. Susan B O'Sullivan, Thomas J. Schmitz, 2000.

Cluett, Jonathan. “Labral Tear of the Hip Joint.” Orthopedics.About.Com. 5 Dec. 2009 <http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipinjuries/qt/labrum.htm>

Disclaimer: This website is an information and education resource for health professionals and individuals with injuries. It is not intended to be a service for patients and should not be regarded as a source of medical or diagnostic information, or used as a substitute for professional medical instruction or advice. Not all conditions and treatment modalities are described on this website. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting, on any information contained on this website is hereby excluded.