ITBS (iliotibial band syndrome) is one of the most common reasons of knee pain, especially in people who participate in endurance sports. It is responsible for up to 12% of running injuries and up to 24% of cycling injuries. ITBS is usually treated conservatively with physiotherapy and temporary activity changes.
What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)/ Runner’s Knee?
Excessive irritation creates pain on the outer (or lateral) region of the knee, resulting in iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). The iliotibial band (ITB), often known as the “IT band,” is a type of soft tissue that extends from the pelvis to the knee on the side of the thigh. As it approaches the knee, its form thickens as it passes through the lateral femoral condyle, a prominent portion of the thigh (femur) bone. It connects the tensor fascia latae (TFL) with the gluteus maximus, two key hip muscles, near the pelvis.
When an individual moves through repetitive straightening (extension) and bending (flexion) of the knee, friction between the ITB and surrounding components causes irritation and inflammation. ITBS pain is most commonly caused by overuse during sports such as running and cycling.
ITBS affects a variety of structures in the lower extremities, including muscles, bones, and soft tissues. Discomfort is usually caused by:
- Contact between the ITB and the thigh (femur) bone that is abnormal.
- Poor lower body alignment and/or muscle control.
- During repetitive actions, prolonged pinching (compression) or rubbing (shearing) forces.
The following are some of the most prevalent ITBS structures:
- Iliotibial band.
- Bursa (fluid-filled sack that sits between bones and soft tissues to limit friction).
- Hip muscles (Gluteus muscles).
ITBS can occur in:
- Athletes that engage in repetitive actions like squatting, as well as endurance sports like running and cycling.
- Individuals who spend a significant amount of time in protracted positions, such as sitting or standing for an extended period of time, climbing or crouching, or kneeling.
- People who jump right into a new exercise routine without properly warming up or preparing.
Signs and Symptoms of Runner’s Knee
Persons with ITBS,may experience:
- Pain that stabs or stings on the outside of the knee.
- As the ITB bends and straightens, it has the sensation of “snapping” across the knee.
- The outside of your knee is swollen.
- Tightness and soreness on the exterior of the hip can occur on occasion.
- Pain that persists after physical exertion, especially while walking, climbing, or descending stairs, or standing from a seated position.
When the knee is slightly bent, either before or after the foot strikes the ground, the pain is usually the most intense. This is the spot on the femur where the ITB rubs the most.
Diagnosis
At Physiotouch Courtice, your physiotherapist will ask you questions about your medical history and exercise routine. Your physiotherapist will do a physical examination to get movement (range of motion), strength, and flexibility measurements at the hip, knee, and ankle.
A physiotherapist may conduct special tests and do a movement analysis when treating ITBS, which will provide information on how you move and how it may be contributing to your injury. This could include a walk/run mechanics, foot structure, and balance evaluation. Your therapist may ask you to repeat the activity that produces your pain so that you can examine how your body moves in pain. Your therapist may also inquire about your chosen sport, shoes, training routes, and exercise routine if you are an athlete.
Medical imaging studies such as x-rays and MRIs are typically not required to diagnose ITBS.
Runner's Knee Treatment
At Physiotouch Courtice, your physiotherapist will employ therapy tactics to focus on:
Range of motion
Because of the way the band joins to hip muscles, ITBS is frequently caused by aberrant motion of the hip, knee, and foot joints. Your therapist will compare the motion of your injured leg to expected normal motion and the motion of your unaffected leg’s hip.
Muscle strength
ITBS can be exacerbated by hip and core weakness. The muscles of the belly, low back, and pelvis are referred to as the “core.” Core strength is vital because a strong stomach allows for more bodily stability when the arms and legs move through different activities. It is critical for endurance athletes to have a strong core in order to stabilise the hip and knee joints during repetitive leg actions. Your physiotherapist will be able to tell you which muscles are weak and provide you exercises to strengthen them.
Manual therapy
Physiotouch Courtice’s physiotherapists are educated in manual treatment, which means they move and manipulate muscles and joints with their hands to increase motion and strength. These methods can be used to treat regions that are tough to reach on your own.
Functional training
Even if an individual has normal mobility and strength, it is critical to educate the body how to conduct controlled and coordinated movements so that the previously injured components are no longer subjected to undue stress. Your physiotherapist will design a functional training programme for you that is specific to the activity you want to do. This entails devising exercises that mimic your daily tasks while also challenging your body to learn how to move properly.
Your Physiotouch Courtice therapist will also work with you to create an unique treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. He or she will provide you advice on how to avoid recurrence of your injury.
Book your appointment Today! If you require alternate appointment times, please contact us and we will gladly assist you with your reservation.
What to Expect on Your First Visit:
- At Physiotouch Courtice, you will register with our friendly front office staff.
- A comprehensive assessment by a Physiotherapist or other Health Care Provider will take you through a detailed history of your major physical concern, assessment of your range of motion and strength, as well as a variety of special tests specific to your injury or dysfunction. These assessment findings are analyzed and used to create a clinical impression. This will help us to better identifying and understanding your problem and formulating an effective treatment plan tailored specifically for your needs and to achieve the realistic goals. This treatment plan could involve a number of things including therapeutic exercises, therapeutic modalities, manual mobilizations, massage, patient and family education, activity modification, home exercise programs, supervised exercise programs and many others.
- There will be some treatments performed the first day to get you started on your path to recovery. However, during the next visits you will get into all aspects of your treatment plan.
- Our staff will help you scheduling your next visits at Physiotouch Courtice as per treatment plan recommended by related Health Care Provider. We offer many convenient appointment times, however, prime times can become busy, so it is best to book ahead as much as possible.
- If you have any questions at any time, please do not hesitate to call. We want to ensure your satisfaction and full recovery.
Before Your First Visit
- You will receive a confirmation email shortly after booking your appointment.
- This email will contain some forms which you can fill out and sign from your device in handy.
- If you have any questions, ask us before signing the form.
- If you are not able to access the forms online, please arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment so that we can help you with the paperwork.
- Make a list of questions that you want to discuss on your first visit.
- Bring with you if you have any imaging reports (i.e.) X-rays, Ultrasound/MRI (etc.) and doctor’s referral.
- Bring with you a copy of your insurance card and a photo ID.