Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most common causes of knee pain, especially among long distance runners and cyclists.  Typical symptoms include pain along the outside aspect of the knee, a feeling of “snapping” of the ITB while bending and straightening the knee, and sometimes tightness and pain at the outside of the hip and thigh.  The iliotibial band is a thick band of fascia that runs from the hip down the outside of the thigh and attaches to the upper part of the tibia (shinbone). This band helps to stabilize the femur (thigh bone). 

Pain develops when the ITB becomes irritated and inflamed.  This can occur due to repetitive rubbing of the band against the bone on the outside of the knee during movement of the knee or from compression/impingement than can occur especially with a valgus (inward) collapse of the knee.  Possible causes of the above include a tight ITB and tensor fascia latae (TFL), muscle imbalances, weak gluteal muscles, poor motor control, inward rotation of the leg, leg malalignment, and problems related to the ankle or hip. Symptoms can also develop related to overtraining or incorrect training.

The expert therapists at Balance Within Integrative Physical Therapy will complete an evaluation to determine the root causes contributing to your pain and work with you to address these causes. All our therapists have extensive training in myofascial release, a specialized manual therapy which specifically targets and mobilizes fascia, like the iliotibial band. You may already roll your outer thighs with a foam roll to loosen this band or perhaps you have seen people at your health club doing this, but there is so much more that can be done, and with much less pain!

And if you need help, you’re in luck! Claim one of our Free Discovery Consults with one of our Expert PT’s and get on the right track to enjoying running again: