Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Written By: Chloe Wilson, BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed by: KPE Medical Review Board

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most common injuries seen in runners, especially long distance runners.

ITBS causes lateral knee pain on the outer side of the knee, which can radiate up the thigh and is notoriously difficult to treat. 

Also known as Iliotibial Friction Syndrome, ITB syndrome or ITBS, it is often misdiagnosed as Runners Knee. 

The Iliotibial Band, aka IT Band, is a thick band of fibrous tissue, rather than a muscle, that runs down the outside of your leg from your pelvis to your knee. It has a different structure to muscles, making it less mobile and harder to stretch.

Some of the buttock and hip muscles attach to the ITB, and it co-ordinates how these muscles work as well as stabilising the knee and leg.

Here we will look at the typical causes and symptoms of ITBS, the best treatment options, and how to reduce the chances of developing ITBS.

Common causes and risk factors for iliotibial band syndrome are:

1. Running: Long distance running can also lead to Iliotibial band syndrome due to repetitive friction. Lots of running surfaces e.g. roads and running tracks are slightly banked which places more of a stretch through the ITB on the lower leg. Running up and down hills also puts even more tension through the IT Band. 
   
   
2. Muscle Problems: Tightness in the leg muscles and the Iliotibial Band itself increases the friction on the ITB. Weakness in the buttock muscles (glutes) puts more strain on the Iliotibial Band, increasing your chances of developing Iliotibial Band Syndrome.
   
   
3. Sudden Increase in Activity: Someone who rapidly increases their training is at risk of developing Iliotibial Band Syndrome due to the sudden increase in friction at the knee.
   
   
4. Altered Foot Biomechanics: Anything which changes the normal position of the leg can place more strain through the IT Band. If you have flat feet, a leg length discrepancy or bowed legs you are more prone to developing ITB syndrome.
   
   
5. Bone Spurs: If there are small lumps of extra bone, known as bone spurs or osteophytes, around the attachment of the ITB, it causes excess friction on the ITB which can lead to ITBS.

The initial aim of iliotibial band syndrome treatment is to reduce the inflammation which will in turn also reduce the IT band pain. This is most effectively done using:

1. Relative Rest: It is really important to rest initially with iliotibial band symdrome. Avoid aggravating activities to give the ITB time to heal else you will slow down your recovery. The mantra “No pain, no gain” does NOT apply here! LEARN MORE >
   
   
2. Regular Ice: Ice therapy can be used to help reduce inflammation, but only when used correctly. In the Ice Treatment section we look at how to get the maximum benefit from using ice and the best ways to apply ice. LEARN MORE >
   
   
3. Take Anti-Inflammatories: Medications such as ibuprofen/Advil can be really helpful in reducing pain and inflammation with ITB syndrome.
   
   
4. Switch Sports: If your symptoms are aggravated by running, you might find that switching to activities like swimming or cycling allow you to keep exercising without aggravating the Iliotibial Band.

Long term treatment aims to address the cause of the Iliotibial Band Syndrome and may include:

1. Wear A Knee Strap: Wearing a brace that straps around the top of the knee directs forces away from the Iliotibial band so can be very helpful to reduce irritation when running. Many runners swear by them! FIND OUT MORE > 
   
   
2. Do Strengthening IT Band Exercises: Strengthening exercises are a vital part of iliotibial band syndrome treatment. Strengthening the glutes, quads and hamstrings improves how the hip and knee function which reduces the friction on the Iliotibial Band. FIND OUT MORE >
   
   
3. Start Stretches for IT Band: The best place to start is with IT band stretches, but should not be done in isolation. Stretching the quads, hamstrings and calf muscles also helps reduce the friction at the knee. FIND OUT MORE >
   
   
4. Try Taping: Taping can also be used to reduce the forces going through the IT Band – your physical therapist/ sports injury specialist will show you what to do and then you can do it yourself at home
   
   
5. Have a Sports Massage: Deep tissue massage to the IT Band can reduce tightness, but it can be quite painful. It should be carried out by a trained sports therapist or physical therapist and should be followed up with an exercise programme. Alternatively you can use a massage gun at home to help stretch out the ITB.
   
   
6. Try Orthotics In Your Shoes: Special insoles can be worn in your shoes to correct poor foot positions such as flat feet and thus take the tension of the ITB. See an orthotist for a full assessment and advice.
   
   
7. Steroid Injections: If other treatments have failed, a cortisone injection can be given to help reduce pain and inflammation. However it should always be accompanied by strengthening and stretching exercises to ensure the problem doesn’t return. LEARN MORE >
   
   
8. If All Else Fails, Then Surgery: Surgery for IT Band pain is extremely rare and is only considered if all other treatments have failed. It is done arthroscopically, keyhole surgery, and aims to break down any scarring in the tissues and if necessary lengthen the Iliotibial band to reduce the friction at the knee.