Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB) refers to excessive pulling or friction of the ITB over the greater trochanter of the femur near the hip or the lateral condyle (outside of knee) at the knee. This causes inflammation and pain when the knees and hips flex or extend. This can also cause Bursitis.
Causes of ITB syndrome can vary, such as tension or friction of ITB, repetitive hip and knee flexion when Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL) is contracted, for example when running, tight TFL and ITB or muscular imbalances.
Initial treatment for ITB syndrome would be rest, ice, compression and elevation. Anti-inflammatory medication can also help. After rest, applying heat and regular massage can assist recovery with the promotion of blood flow and healing.
Increasing flexibility as pain allows will help speed up recovery. After pain has subsided, increasing strength and flexibility of all the muscles of the thigh and hips to develop balance will help prevent future reoccurrences.
As stated earlier, ITB syndrome is a common injury for runners. Without adequate warm up and cool downs, and regular flexibility, strengthening and stretching exercises, probability of injury reoccurrence can be high. Identifying and fixing any errors in running form will also help to prevent future risk of the injury.
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Our therapists provide injury treatment, advice, prevention, and rehabilitation exercises through sports massage, deep tissue massage, exercise programming and physiotherapy.
We provide educational content for informational purposes only. Aways seek a medical professionals care and advice regarding injuries.