Iliotibial band syndrome

Is a common knee injury that usually presents with pain and or tenderness on palpation of the lateral aspect of the knee superior to the join line and inferior to the lateral femoral epicondyle .

It is considered a non-tranmatic overuse injury and is often concomitant with the underlying weakness of hip abductor muscles Iliotibial  Band  Syndrome

Overuse is thought to be caused  by repetitive knee flexion and extension movement frequently seen in cyclists and runners.

Iliotibial  Band  Syndrome


Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial  Band  Syndrome


This repetitive motion causes excessive friction between the lateral femoral epicondyle and the ilotibial tract studies have described an impingement  zone occurring foot strike and the early stance phase of running .

During this impingement period in the running cycle eccentric contraction  ot the tensor fascia latae muscle and few the gluten maxims cause the leg to decelerate generating tension in the iliotibial band.


Epidemiology


  • Syndrome vary from 2 to 25 percent overall rates of iliotibial band inphysical active individuals the syndrome has not been reported in those who do not exercise.


  • The problem is most common in runners military personal and cyclists but has also been described in Nordic skiers soccer played and  other athletes

  • Based upon limited observational studies ITBS affects approximately 1.6 to 12 percent of runners.



  • Competitive cyclists who are frequently pedaling against high resistance may be at higher risk


Risk factors


That increase your risk of getting ITBS to include:


Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial  Band  Syndrome

  1. Certain sports with repetitive motions such as running and cycling
  2. In correct training technique
  3. Increasing cycling or running mileage too quickly
  4. Running up and down hills
  5. Over-training
  6. Using damaged or won out equipment or footwear
  7. Wearing improper shoes for a sport or athletic activity
  8. Athletic equipment that is not properly fit to the user such as a bicycle

Causes


The glides back and forth over the lateral femoral condyle as the knee bends and straightens normally this isn’t a problem but the bursa between the.

Become irritated and inflamed if the the starts to snap over the condyle Repeated knee motions such as those from walking running or biking.

People often end up with ITB syndrome from overdoing their activity they try to push themselves too far too fast and they end up running walking or biking more than their.

Body can handle the repaired strain causes the bursa on the side of the knee to become inflamed
Some experts believer that the problem happens when the knee bows outward.

This can happen in runners if their shoes are worn on the outside edge orfatigues glutenous mediums muscle in the hip are more likely to end up with syndrome.

This muscle controls outward movement of the tip if the glutenous doing its job the thigh tends to term inward .

This is also called a valgus deformity of the knee.


People with bowed legs may also be at risk of developing syndrome the outward gleaner o the bowed knee makes the lateral femoral condyle.

The snapping worse this condition more prominent and can make  is called a varus deformity of the knee.  

Symptoms


There are varying degrees of severity of friction syndrome the most common symptoms include:

  1. Sharp or burning pain just above the outer part of the knee
  2. Pain that worsens with the continuance of running or other repetitive activities
  3. Swelling over the outside of the knee
  4. Pain drution early knee bending
  5. Gradual onset of symptoms which if they persist for greater than 4 weeks can cause major sport or activity interference.

Complications


  1. Prolonged healing time if not appropriately time to heal adequate time toheal
  2. Chronically inflamed tendon and bursa causing persistent pain with activity that may progress to constant pain
  3. Recurrence of symptoms if the is resumed too soon through overuse a direct blow or poor training overuse a
  4. Inability to complete training or completion


Diagnosis and test


Although diagnosing iliotibial band syndrome is not particular difficult some practitioners may confuse if with other knee problems

Diagnosis and test



Diagnosis and test
Diagnosis and test


Usurprisingly physical therapists that to be more exposed to sufferers tend to be significantly better at identifying it than general medical practitioners.

Sometimes the condition is miss diagnosed as a sprain but usually sprains are immediate traumatic injuries and should not be confused with.

Mostly if you are active and experience a non traumatic lateral knee pain the chances are it is ITBS.

Another indicator is that it hurts more when going downhill or downstairs they when ascending to be ITBS .

Physical examination may include palpation of the painful areal to identify tendenes and swelling over the femoral episodically.

muscle im balance and tightness in your legs and back if there is any doubt then a complete examination of your lower back legs hip and ankles may be carried out.

Treatment and medications



Illiotbial Band syndrome pain can usually recover with some simple changes to activity and exercise by trying to avoid or reduce the activity which cause the pain tallow the damaged tissue time to recover and heal.



Treatment and test


 painful area for 15-20 minutes twice a day do not place the ice pack directly on the skin wrap the in a damp towel before placing on the painful area to ensure.

Pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications:


These may be prescribed by your GP if the pain is constant this is a temporary measure to break the pain cycle but can continues as required.

Bio mechanical Analysis


If there are significant mechanical problems insoles or specific trainers may improve your leg position and help avoid further injuries a biomechancica assessment by.

 A podiatrist or physiotherapist will determine whether insoler of specific trainers  would  be of benefit.

Physiotherapy


Improves symptoms then physiotherapy if exercise alone does not treatment may be required a can use specific treatment including ultrasounds deep friction.

Surgery


This is not common for Iliotibial band syndrome in some cause when symptoms are persistent surgery may be considered.

Prevention


  1. The pain has coccurred on the outer part of your knee is important relax for a few days decrease your mileage if the
  2. For a quarter to half a mile before running warm up
  3. Worn out replace them if they ensure the outside sole of your shoe is not
  4. Run in the find roads that road usually the middle find roads that are visible well and have little traffic
  5. Avoid con create surface when running
  6. Repeatedly change direction on track run
  7. Evaluation with a podiatrist see if you need orthodontics by scheduling an

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