What is iliotibial band syndrome? Iliotibial band syndrome is inflammation and pain on the outer side of the knee. The iliotibial band is a layer of connective tissue that begins at a muscle near the outer side of the hip, travels down the outer side of the thigh, crosses the outer side of the knee, and attaches to the outer side of the upper shin bone (tibia).

How does it occur? Iliotibial band syndrome occurs when this band repeatedly rubs over the bump of the thigh bone (femur) near the knee, causing the band to be irritated. This most often occurs in running. This condition can result from having a tight iliotibial band; having tight hip, leg or pelvis muscles; when the legs are not at the same length; running on sloped surfaces and running in shoes with a lot of wear on the outside of the heel.

What are the symptoms? The symptoms are pain and stifness on the outer side of the knee.

How is it treated? As in any injury, the immediate treatment is to minimize and limit the amount of pain and inflammation by R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and anti-inflammatory drugs. Depending on the severity of the injury, hot & cold treatments, Ultrasound and electrotherapy are proven methods to speed recovery. The later stages will involve physical therapy to strengthen, restore full range of motion and elasticity of the damaged tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. In severe cases of pain, an injection of a corticosteroid medicine to reduce the inflammation and pain is given.

How long will the effects last? The length of recovery depends on many factors such as age, health, and previous injury. Recovery time also depends on the severity of the injury. A mild injury may recover within a few weeks, whereas a severe injury may take 6 weeks or longer to recover.

When can one return to normal activities? Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. One may safely return to normal activities when the injured knee can be fully straightened and bent without pain, the knee and leg have regained normal strength & ROM compared to the uninjured knee and leg and one is able to walk or jog straight ahead without limping.

How can iliotibial band syndrome be prevented? Iliotibial band syndrome is best prevented by warming up properly and doing stretching exercises before sports or other physical activity.