IT Band Syndrome

Your knees are one of the hardest-working joints in your body and they require a heavy-duty support system. The iliotibial band, also referred to as the IT band, is a strong, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the outer thigh from the hip to just below the knee. The IT band stabilizes the outer part of the knee as it flexes and extends. This high amount of movement and friction makes it susceptible to overuse injuries, inflammation, and pain.

Pain can occur anywhere along the IT band from your hip to your knee but is often most present in the outer side of the knee. Left untreated, irritation and inflammation in the IT band can lead to reduced range of motion in the knee and increasing levels of pain.

Our hip and knee specialists at Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster are expertly trained to treat and relieve the unique pain and conditions of these weight-bearing joints. Learn more about our hip and knee specialists how we can help to get you moving again.

Symptoms

Sharp or burning pain along the IT band that can range from the hip to the knee but is typically most intense in the outer knee
Pain may increase during movement that engages the IT band such as running, cycling, squatting, walking up and down stairs, or standing for long durations
More severe conditions may feel deeper pain that is present even at rest

Causes

Overuse of the outer knee such as with running, cycling, or repetitive squatting
Leg length discrepancies or knock or bow knees may put added stress on the IT band during activity

Risk Factors

Poor stance or posture when engaged in high-intensity repetitive movement such as when running, cycling, or lifting weights
Weakness or decreased flexibility of muscles surrounding IT band
Exercising or playing sports on uneven terrain
Sudden changes in activity intensity or duration
Poorly fitting footwear

Diagnosis

Physical examination of the affected area
X-ray to show surrounding bone health
MRI or CT scan to show muscle and soft tissue health

Treatment Options

RICE therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
Physical therapy
Wearing supportive shoes and changing training shoes after 300 – 500 miles of use
Surgical repair is rare and generally occurs when pain is persistent and nonresponsive to nonsurgical treatments

IT Band Syndrome Specialties

I have had very good experiences with OAL they diagnosed the problem and moved forward with a total hip replacement.Thank youu for helping me get around easier, I would recommend this practice for people in need of orthopedic problems!
All staff were very friendly and professional. Dr. Hyatt was thorough, did not rush through the appointment and answered all of our questions.
Dr Stabile and her team were magical! I am pain free, and extremely happy I am in her care.
The office staff were very helpful while you were there for your appointment. I have been a patient of OAL for over 40 years and that speaks for itself.
Every time I’ve used of Orthopedic Associates I’ve been very pleased with the service I receive. From the receptionist, nurses, doctors and therapists, everything is professional and very sympathetic to the discomfort that you happen to be in so I gave them five stars!