ITB Syndrome
If your knee pain occurs laterally (that is, on the outside edge of the knee), you may be suffering from iliotibial band, or ITB, syndrome. ITB syndrome occurs when the ligament that extends from the outside of the pelvic bone to the outside of your tibia (iliotibial band) becomes so tight that it rubs against the outer portion of the femur. Distance runners are especially susceptible to ITB syndrome, which generally causes a sharp, burning pain in the knee that often begins 10 to 15 minutes into a run. Initially, the pain goes away with rest, but in time it may persist when you walk or go up and down stairs.
Contributing factors
Contributing factors for ITB syndrome include:
- Pregnancy
- Biomechanical problems such as unequal leg length or weak hip abductors
- Exercising on concrete surfaces or uneven ground
- Increasing the intensity or duration of exercise too quickly
- Wearing worn or ill-fitting shoes
- Excessive uphill or downhill running
SSPT’s approach to treating ITB syndrome
Your SSPT physical therapy for ITB syndrome may include:
- Modalities such as ultrasound to help control the inflammation and assist healing
- Manual therapy techniques to increase the mobility in the tight structures
- Assessment and guidance about appropriate footwear
- Education about behaviors that reduce the stress on the knees
- Exercises to strengthen other muscles to alleviate continued stress on ITB
