What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome – ITBS?
The Iliotibial band (ITB) is a band of connective tissue which runs along the outside of the leg from the Iliac Crest (hip bone) to the tibia (shin bone). As the knee bends and straightens, the ITB rubs past the lateral femoral epicondyle which is a bony prominence on the outside of the femur (thigh bone) immediately above the knee joint. Due to this action the ITB is prone to friction which, if excessive, leads to inflammation. The condition is particularly common in runners.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ITBS include: Pain which is aggravated by running, pain over the outside of the knee, pain when bending or straightening the knee which is worse when pressure is applied to the sore area.
Treatments
The symptoms associated with ITBS can be aggravated by poor foot biomechanics associated with over pronation or over supination. Functional foot orthotics to restore/improve foot biomechanics can therefore be helpful.
