The ITB’s primary function is to control and decelerate the adduction (inward movement) of the thigh when the heel strikes the ground, as during running. The ITB crosses two joints, the hip and the knee joints, so it can be involved in problems in both areas. Iliotibial band syndrome takes place when the ITB becomes swollen and irritated from rubbing against the bone on the outside of your knee. The bursa functions like a water balloon to reduce friction and wear of the ITB against the bony bump of the outer knee. Where the ITB passes the knee, there is a water-filled sac called a bursa. The iliotibial band (ITB or IT band) is a thick band of fascia that runs down the outside of the thigh from the pelvic bone to just below your knee on the tibia (shin) bone. Get to know the signs and natural ways to treat and prevent this painful condition today - like stretching your IT bands and glutes! You definitely want to avoid iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) since it can keep a you on the sidelines for weeks or even longer. If you’re not a runner but regularly engage in physical activity that involves repetitive knee motion, then you’re also at risk. What if you never engage in any athletic activities? If you currently have knee pain or lower back pain, it could be caused by your IT band not working optimally. Sports Med 2012 42(11):969-92.Why should you read an article about iliotibial band syndrome? Well, if you’re a runner, the chances of you having iliotibial band syndrome at some point is quite high since it’s the second most common running injury. Van der Worp MP, van der Horst N, de Wijer A, et al. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports 2015 25(6):744-53.

Gender differences in gait kinematics in runners with iliotibial band syndrome.

'The biomechanical variables involved in the aetiology of iliotibial band syndrome in distance runners–A systematic review of the literature.' Physical Therapy in Sport 15.1 (2014): 64-75. 'Iliotibial band syndrome rehabilitation in female runners: a pilot randomized study.' Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 15(1): 188. 'Conservative treatment of iliotibial band syndrome in runners: Are we targeting the right goals?' Physical Therapy in Sport. Reduction of Foot Overpronation to Improve Iliotibial Band Syndrome in Runners: A Case Series. 'Running retraining to treat lower limb injuries: a mixed-methods study of current evidence synthesised with expert opinion.' British Journal of Sports Medicine 50(9): 513-526.ĭodelin D, Tourny C, Menez C, et al. 'Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis to evaluate lower-limb biomechanics and conservative treatment.' Muscles, Ligaments & Tendons Journal (MLTJ) 9(2).īarton, C. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 2014 9(2):222.īalachandar, V., et al. Treatment of distal iliotibial band syndrome in a long distance runner with gait re‐training emphasizing step rate manipulation. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2015 16(1):356.Īllen DJ. Biomechanical risk factors associated with iliotibial band syndrome in runners: a systematic review.

It band stretch