Illio-tibial Band Syndrome ‘Runners Knee’ | Physio4Life

GET IN TOUCH

CURRENT OFFERS

FIND US

admin@physio4life.co.uk | 020 8704 5998

Call us:020 8704 5998

Illio-tibial Band Syndrome ‘Runners knee’

<   Back

17
Jul



   

 

 

  

INJURY TITLE

Illio-tibial Band Syndrome  ‘Runners knee’

 

INJURY OVERVIEW

Pain on the outside of the thigh to the knee from a tightening of the ITB (Illiotibial Band).

 

INJURY IN-DEPTH INFORMATION

The Ilio-Tibial Band (ITB) is not a muscle.  Its a thick band of connective tissue that runs all the way down the outside of your thigh, connecting your hip and pelvis to the bone below your knee. The band itself is seldom ever the real cause of pain.  Because it passes closely over the bone and other potentially irritable structures, it can irritate these.  If they become inflamed, they will swell and the pressure around them will increase.  This will lead to more pain, that will lessen with rest (as the inflammation calms down).

 

COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • Pain from the outside of the thigh to the outside of the knee when running
  • Often the pain will go away with rest and won’t re appear until you run again
  • If it gets worse, pain can come on when cycling or swimming or even walking

 

HOW IS IT ASSESSED

  • Clinical examination o rule out other sources of pain in that area.
  • Assessment of muscle power and length around the hip and knee (any imbalances could be causative)
  • Assessment of walking and running style could highlight biomechanical causes and technique fault to blame.
  • If symptoms persist for a long period, an ultrasound scan could help isolate the inflammed structures, and help with further treatment decisions.

 

 

 

GENERAL TREATMENT

  • Use of ice to calm any inflammation (10 – 20 minute periods a few times per day)
  • Physiotherapy to provide focuses stretching and strengthening (this will be dependant upon how you present clinically and what muscle imbalances are seen)
  • Cross training to maintain fitness and take the pressure off the knees (swimming, upper body training can help here)
  • Possible biomechanical intervention with orthotics.

 

Exercise Videos: i.e.

  • Rotator cuff strengthening
  • Pec stretch
  • etc

 

WHICH HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TO CONSULT

PHYSIO     X

MEDIC     

PODIATRY     X

Put an ‘X’ next to each health professional that most commonly deals with this injury.

i.e. tennis elbow would be Physio and Medic as injections are common, whereas for muscular LBP it would be Physio and not Medic as they would just refer them to a Physio.

Ready to book an appointment with Physio4Life?

To book an appointment please follow the link below to our online booking page.

Book Online