Iliotibial band syndrome – Symptoms and Diagnosis

Persons who exercise frequently, particularly runners, are prone to experience pain in the outer part of the knee. When this happens, iliotibial band syndrome may be the cause.

Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome is frequently caused by repeatedly bending the knee during physical activities, such as running, cycling, swimming, and climbing.

The IT band is a group of fibers that run the length of the upper leg, from the hip to the top of the shin.

When overused, the IT band can become stiffened. The constriction can cause the band to rub against the outside of the knee. The brass rubbing can lead to pain and swelling.

IT band syndrome may begin as minor pain and increase if left untreated. The best treatment is often to stop doing the action that is producing the pain. In more severe cases, operating options may need to be considered.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of IT band syndrome may vary a little from individual to individual in intensity and how they appear.

Some symptoms include:

·         pain when running or doing other actions involving the outside of the knee

·         a clicking feeling where the band rubs against the knee

·         persistent pain after exercise

·         the knee is kind to touch

·         painfulness in buttocks

·         soreness and warmth around the knee, especially the outer aspect

Symptoms typically start a short time after starting the physical activity.

The most observed symptom of IT band syndrome is pain on the outside of the knee that gets worse if the person continues the activity causing the pain.

As a person continues to run or take part in a similar activity, the IT band will continue to rub against the outside of the knee, leading to swelling and severe pain.

Diagnosis:

Physical therapists and trainers can often say whether a person has IT band syndrome. For those people who are not at work with one of these specialists, a family doctor can also identify the problem.

To fix whether a person has IT band syndrome, a healthcare professional will likely talk to the person about their symptoms. They will need to know when the pain started and what activities cause the pain.

The doctor or other healthcare professional will then likely do the Ober's test. For this test, the individual lies on their pain-free side with the bottom knee and hip at a 90-degree angle. The doctor or physiotherapist will stable the pelvis and then lift the affected leg. They then take the hip back toward the ground.

A person tests positive for IT band syndrome when there is less than a 10-degree angle from the normal horizontal position.

The healthcare provider will also see how the person stands and walks to check for pronation of the foot. They will also look for stiffness in the upper leg muscles and hips.