It most commonly occurs from overuse or an injury.
Faultybiomechanics, or when parts of the body are not properly aligned, can also contribute.
With more severe injuries, an IT band can tear.
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
It attaches on the outside of the shin bone, ortibia, just below theknee joint.
The band works with your thigh muscles to provide stability to the outside of the knee during movement.
This article will explain the symptoms and causes of IT band syndrome.
As the pain becomes more severe, swelling on the outside of the knee may occur.
What Causes IT Band Syndrome?
The IT band may get irritated from rubbing up against bone while it is stretched.
How Is IT Band Syndrome Diagnosed?
To diagnose IT band syndrome, your healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history.
Your healthcare provider will also give you a physical exam.
They may do tests that check for pain in specific areas to confirm your diagnosis.
Rarely, imaging, like an X-ray, is required to confirm a diagnosis of IT syndrome.
protocolcan be a helpful step to relieve pain from an IT band injury.
They may also suggest steroid injections to help with pain and inflammation.
This treatment may be considered if a person continues to have pain even after trying the R.I.C.E.
method and taking an NSAID.
Physical Therapy
When your pain and inflammation improves, you might begin physical therapy.
A physical therapist will use different methods to boost leg strength, mobility, and flexibility.
Surgery
Surgery is rarely required to treat IT band syndrome.
How Do I Prevent IT Band Pain?
The pain may worsen over time and lead to swelling.
Treatment may include the R.I.C.E.
method, medications, physical therapy, and possibly surgery.
IT band pain may improve if you reduce your activity, stretch, and take an NSAID.
to prevent this pain from coming back, it’s important to figure out what caused it.
Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about other treatment options if your IT band pain continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s very common among people who are physically active.
IT band syndrome is responsible for 22% of all lower leg injuries in athletes.
There are lots of ways to stretch the iliotibial band.
This simple standing stretch has been found to be especially effective:
There’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation for shoes.
They can prescribe a custom shoe insert that may help.
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