Iliotibial Band Syndrome

WHAT IS THE IT BAND?

The iliotibial band is a piece of fibrous tissue running from the hip to the knee. Mostly made out of collagen, it encloses and stabilizes the muscles surrounding the knee. The IT band also works with these muscles to enable extension, flexion, and rotation of the knee, making it an indispensable component of the joint.

WHAT IS IT BAND SYNDROME?

IT band syndrome is a condition caused by sustained friction between the IT band and the lateral femoral epicondyle, a bony protrusion at the side of the knee. It frequently affects runners, whose IT bands are particularly prone to overuse. The condition can cause debilitating pain and restrict the knee’s range of motion, significantly limiting the patient’s ability to function.

IT BAND SYNDROME SYMPTOMS

The most common symptom of IT band syndrome is moderate to severe pain on the outside of the knee. The pain most often arises when running, and it tends to worsen until the patient rests the joint. Other common symptoms include:

• A sense of stinging around the knee
• A snapping or popping noise
• Swelling

IT BAND SYNDROME DIAGNOSIS

IT BAND SYNDROME TREATMENT

Conservative

Most cases of IT band syndrome can be effectively treated with non-invasive methods. Some of the most common include:

• Physical therapy centered around stretching and strengthening the IT band
• Running a foam roller along the side of the leg
• Massage therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

Surgical

While it’s rarely necessary, IT band syndrome can also be treated with a short surgical procedure. During the procedure, your surgeon will make several small incisions into the skin surrounding the IT band, then proceed to slightly reshape the band and remove any source of scarring or inflammation. As an arthroscopic procedure, it offers a shorter recovery period and fewer surgical complications, with many patients able to resume normal activities within a few weeks.

With decades of combined experience in sports medicine, the orthopedic specialists at New York Bone and Joint are well-equipped to help any patient recover from an injured IT band. We’ll work with you to develop a specialized treatment plan that promotes swift healing, ensuring that you can return to your active lifestyle as soon as possible.

IT BAND SYNDROME RECOVERY

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EXPERIENCING PAIN? DO YOU HAVE AN INJURY?

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