By: Cassie and Heather

What is it? Iliotibial band syndrome is an overuse problem that is

often seen in bicyclists, runners, and long-distance walkers.

Anatomy of the iliotibial band (ITB) The ITB is a long tendon which means that it connects

muscles to bone. It attaches to a short muscle at the top of the pelvis called the tensor fascia lata. The ITB runs down the side of the thigh and connects to the shinbone just below the middle of your knee. You can feel this tendon on the outside of your thigh when you tighten your leg muscles.

Anatomy continued To cushion the body tissues a fluid filled sac called a

bursa is present. These are there when muscles and tendons glide over each other. A bursa rests between the femoral condoyle and the ITB.T his bursa allows the tendon to glide smoothly back and forth as the knee bends and straightens.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ITB syndrome can usually be made without any complicated tests. Your doctor will take a history of the problem and ask about any other injuries that may have occurred in the past. X-rays may be taken to make sure that there are no other injuries that could be adding to the problem. Generally, no swelling is visible. The snapping sensation usually cannot be heard.

Pain on the outside of the knee can be caused from conditions other than ITB syndrome. Your doctor will perform an examination of the knee and will look at your entire leg. You may want to take the shoes that you use to run or walk with you to your appointment

Risk Factors preexisting iliotibial band tightness

high weekly mileage

time spent walking or running on a track

interval training

muscular weakness of the knee, hip, or pelvis.

Signs and Symptoms Knee pain that worsens with movement and can be

less pain when relaxing the knee

Weakness in hip abduction

Tender points in the gluteal area.

Why is it happening to me? Mechanical problems – over pronate, leg length

discrepancies, or bowlegged

Tight or wide IT band

Weak hip muscles – gluteus medius

Overuse of the IT band

Interventions Rest

Heat and stretching before exercising

After exercise use cold modalities – cold pack or ice massage

Iontophoressis and cryotherapry like I said above

Physical therapy to modify pts exercising and proper stretching for pt

PT or PTA can apply ultrasound or do deep tissue massage

Stretch Examples1 2

3

Functional Training Knee pains worsens when walking/running.

ADL function would include, standing up and sitting down, getting in and out of bed, and walking/running without pain.

Surgery Rarely indicated

Most common procedure – resection of posterior portion of ITB.

ReferenceE-Medicine from WebMT. Iliotibial band syndrome.

Retrieved November 21, 2010, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/307850-treatment

Iliotibial band syndrome. Retrieved November 19, 2010, from http://www.eorthopod.com/content/iliotibial-band-syndrome.com

Mama’s Health. Iliotibal band syndrome. Retrieved November 21, 2010, from http://www.mamashealth.com/syndrome/itbs.asp