Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The most critical part of our treatment includes increasing the strength of the muscles that connect to your hip. The majority of patients that strengthen their hips with our program experience symptom resolution within six weeks.
About Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Your iliotibial band (ITB) is a band of tissue running from the crest of your hip down to the knee. A muscle near the crest of your hip called the tensor fascia lata (TFL) attaches to this band and helps control movements of your leg. As the ITB passes over the side of your hip, it traverses over a boney bump called the greater trochanter and attaches to the Gerdy’s tubercle located on the tibia below your knee. Right before it connects to Gerdy’s tubercle, the ITB passes over a pad of highly sensitive fatty tissue.
When the ITB is too tight, it can become inflamed as it repeatedly rubs over the top of the boney bump or the sensitive fatty tissue. ITB syndrome is common in populations exposed to repetitive knee flexion. As a result, almost 25% of all lower body injuries in runners are attributed to ITB syndrome. However, this condition is not limited to runners. ITB is also seen in bikers, weight lifters, and soccer players, for instance.
Symptoms of Iliotibial Band Syndrome
ITB syndrome presents as “sharp” or “burning” pain on the outside of the knee that worsens with running and exercise. The pain usually develops 10-15 minutes into an activity. Also, you may hear or feel a clicking sensation during movement. Typically, symptoms with ITB syndrome ease with rest.
Weak glutes most commonly cause this condition. For example, when your glutes demonstrate weakness, the tension on the ITB is increased significantly. This occurs because your glutes have lost the ability to stabilize your hips. Leaving the ITB to overwork, consequently. Other risk factors for ITB syndrome are:
- Tight TFL
- High mileage running
- Running on a circular track
Runners that have ITB syndrome should minimize downhill running. Also, Runners should reverse the direction on a circular track at least each mile.
Our Approach to Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The most critical part of our treatment includes strengthening the muscles of your hip. The vast majority of patients that strengthen their hips with our program experience symptom resolution within six weeks. If you are experiencing ITB syndrome, see our St. George chiropractors. We are trained and ready to get you back to pain free movement.
Your Visit With US
We start every visit with a comprehensive movement based assessment to identify any critical contributors to your pain. We then combine muscle release techniques with chiropractic adjustments to help relax your tight muscles and allow your body to move better and feel better. Then, most patients are brought to our rehab area, where we teach you how to extend your session’s benefits at home through stretches and exercises based on your needs and goals.
Visit Crux Sport & Spine today!