Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Symptoms of the Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Symptoms are noticeably less with rest or inactivity and made worse with continual movement such as running or cycling. The more common symptoms include:- Swelling and diffuse pain felt over the outside of the knee. The area is consistent with the lateral femoral condyle or tibial tubercle.
- Snapping may be felt or heard as the knee is flexed.
- The pain becomes worse after running for several minutes. It may intensify going down hills.
- Sitting with the knee flexed for a long period of time may aggravate the symptoms.
Treatment of Iliotibial Band
The ultimate goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation. This may be accomplished by the following:
- Control Pain and Inflammation – Rest and ice treatment along with discontinuing aggressive activities or athletic training schedule.
- Biomechanical Issues – Determine if there are issues with pelvic mechanics or leg length inequality. An anatomical leg length difference would necessitate placing a lift in the shoe of the short leg to balance the pelvis.
- Review Footwear – Determine if orthotics may be beneficial.
- After Acute Phase
- Exercise to balance the muscles of the upper leg to include stretching
- Soft tissue massage
- Graston Technique
- Cross training is recommended to maintain endurance. The activity should not stress the iliotibial band. This could include activities such as swimming.
If patients do not respond to conservative management, injections or surgery may be necessary. The use of pharmacology is not in the scope of this article.
Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition that can be difficult to treat successfully. Athletes are often impatient and cannot accept the fact that it takes time to resolve injury problems. The injured worker may have limitations and restrictions with work. Anyone suffering from iliotibial band syndrome may have to endure modifications of activities of daily living. A through explanation of the problem and the use of educational material is helpful to overcome the athlete’s or patients resistance to treatment recommendations.
The doctors at Coon Rapids Chiropractic Office have experience in the care and treatment of iliotibial band injuries.
Call today for an appointment : (763) 755-4300