RESEARCH
ILIOTIBIAL BAND SYNDROME
(OUTSIDE KNEE & HIP PAIN)
Iliotibial band syndrome is a common overuse injury in athletes. It’s caused by abnormal friction and torsion of the iliotibial band over the knee and hip joints.
SYMPTOMS
This condition commonly causes a gradual but rather severe pain on the outside knee joint and less commonly on the outside hip section. Sometimes, simply walking up or down stairs may aggravate this condition. The pain usually subsides immediately upon rest but recurs with activity.
BIOMECHANICAL ETIOLOGY
Excess pronation causes excess internal tibial rotation, which effectively causes the iliotibial band to shear over the lateral femoral condyle, resulting in friction, tightness, and secondary inflammation.
TREATMENT
Orthotics control the internal rotation of the tibia and the rotation on the knee and hip joint. This reduces tractional and frictional forces on the iliotibial band.
ADDITIONAL TREATMENT
Ice therapy
EXERCISES
Strengthening and stretching of the iliotibial band