Runners Knee / Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBFS)
What is it?
The Iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick strip of tissue that extends from the thigh, down over the knee and attaches to the tibia. When the knee joint bends and straightens, the ITB slides across the bony points of the outer knee creating friction. ITBFS is a condition generated when this friction aggravates the lower portion of the ITB.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include pain and inflammation on the outer side of the knee. These symptoms may increase during a run and can reduce relatively quickly after stopping activity. Sufferers usually find running downhillmost painful,however as the condition progresses they may suffer discomfort when walking.
What can cause it?
- Unsuitable footwear or incorrect shoe prescription.
- Biomechanical deficits (particularly over pronation).
- Excessive training.
- Muscle imbalance / weakness.
How do you treat it?
Rest and ice application will give some relief to the symptoms however this will not treat the cause. practitioner may then recommend one or more of the following treatment strategies:
- Footwear alteration. Either via a change in shoe prescription or a custom orthotic.
- Stretching / strength exercises.
- Strength exercises to address any muscle imbalances.
- Run on a variety of soft surfaces.
- Try deep water running with the aid of an aqua-jogger belt. This should allow you to maintain cardiovascular fitness while giving the ITB some recovery time.