Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)

• Iliotibial band syndrome - Causes:

  • Friction of the ITB flicking over lateral femoral condyle
  • Compression of the underlying fat
  • True bursitis
• Iliotibial band syndrome - Symptoms:

  • Sharp or burning pain
  • Onset with prolonged activity
  • May radiate up or down limb
  • Nil consistently proven to be related / causative of symptoms but:
  • High running mileage with inadequate rest
  • Weak proximal muscles - especially glutes
  • Tight ITB
• Iliotibial band syndrome - Treatment:

  • Recent review (Beals & Flanigan 2013) concluded nil preferable treatment but general principles include:
  • Rest
  • Stretch ITB
  • Muscle strengthening
  • Running Technique Coaching
  • Surgery