Is your knee pain due to IT Band Syndrome? For some runners the pain levels can be very high, causing them to stop running and obviously that is disruptive to training.

IT Band Syndrome or to give the condition it’s full name … Iliotibial Band syndrome (ITBS) …. is one of the leading causes of lateral knee pain injuries in runners … estimated to be in the range of 5–14% prevalence of all running-related injuries.

In this episode we’ll be describing IT BAND SYNDROME and the underlying causes. We won’t talk about the physical therapeutic treatments or preventative exercises (we’ll leave that for you to consult with your physio or sports therapist). However, as pain and inflammation are synonymous with IT Band Syndrome, we’ll cover …

· The risks associated with chronic use of painkiller medication

· Nutritional support for managing inflammation status

SHOW NOTES

(06:11)

What is IT Band Syndrome?

The IT band is a thickened band of tissue that runs all the way down the length of the outside of your thigh. The IT band works with your knee ligaments to help stabilise your knee joint. There are various theories around why ITB syndrome happens, but the common theory is that the condition is an overuse injury resulting from the IT band rubbing repeatedly against the lower end of your thigh bone as it joins your knee. This friction causes inflammation and pain. It’s also thought that other contributors are weak muscles in your hips or knees, or tightness in your IT band, and having slight differences in the length of your legs.

(07:17)

Why are runners at risk of developing IT Band Syndrome?

ITBS is often described as an overuse injury, and it develops due to activities where you bend your knee like running. Some of the risk factors leading to ITBS include increased running distances, increased volumes of downhill running or fast running. The severe knee pain experienced may have been preceded by a recent spike in running loads … so that may be for a new runner or for someone who is increasing training distances over a short period of time.

(09:11)

How do runners describe the symptoms of IT Band Syndrome?

People talk about a sharp pain or ache on the outside of the knee, which may spread up or down the leg, and sometimes towards the hip. The outside of the knee may be tender to the touch and there may be some swelling. Usually, you’ll only feel pain during an activity like running or cycling, it may feel worse when running downhill. Often you can start a run pain-free, but the pain develops during a run and is alleviated by stopping. Unfortunately for some, the pain can affect them when walking or sitting too.

THE MANAGEMENT OF ILIOTIBIAL BAND SYNDROME WITH A MULTIFACETED APPROACH: A DOUBLE CASE REPORT

(12:41)

The importance of a correct diagnosis from a professional sports injury specialist.

Take professional advice from a physiotherapist or sports therapist as soon as you notice any knee pain. They will be able to professionally assess your situation, they’ll consider symptoms and your run training including; mileage/frequency/type of training. They may assess muscle strength and extensibility (that’s the ability to extend...