What is ITB Syndrome?
Found most often in runners, ITB Syndrome occurs when the iliotibial band becomes inflamed, due to repeated friction and rubbing over the nearby bones and muscles. Your IT Band extends all the way from the hip to the knee, where the pain usually occurs. This is why the condition is also called “runner’s knee,” a term you may be more familiar with.
What Does the IT Band Do?
The IT band’s job is to stabilize the knee while running and walking. When things like overuse or improper running form come into play, the IT band can become inflamed and painful as it slides back and forth from front to back with every step. This can make competing or training for an event very difficult, as the pain only gets worse over time.
IT Band Syndrome Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms to watch for include any pain or stinging in and around the knee, including the just below the knee, where the band connects to the tibia. The pain and discomfort usually starts mildly and progresses with each run or similar activity. Pain usually begins to last long after your runs as it gets worse.
There are variety of causes for this pain and discomfort, ranging from poor running form to muscle imbalances that can be corrected through stretching and strength exercises. Over rotation of the foot while running and/or bowleggedness can exacerbate the problem as it increases the range of motion of the iliotibial band, causing more stress and speeding up irritation.
Outside of sports, IT Band Syndrome can even occur farther up near the hip, which is more commonly seen in the elderly or even in pregnant women, as the added weight can put more and more pressure on the area.
ITB Stretch and Treatment
The first method of treatment is to rest, which means avoiding whatever it is that is causing the pain; most often this is running or playing sports. It may seem tough, but as with any injury, it’s better to take care of it now and lose a few days of training, than to wait until the problem is more serious and you are forced to take even more time off.
Dr. Mohr is highly skilled in sports injuries and has been continually rated the top chiropractor and physiotherapist in Tampa. He can walk you through ITB treatment techniques that will help to dramatically speed up relief.
While there are a variety of techniques to relieve symptoms and prevent them from coming back, it’s always best to consult a professional in person for the fastest and most long-lasting relief. Each situation is different, and Dr. Mohr will work with you in order to find the best treatment option for your body. If you are experiencing ITB pain, call our office to setup your consultation appointment. You may also request your appointment through our website here.