People with iliotibial band syndrome will feel pain on the outside part of the knee.
Sometimes, those suffering with iliotibial band syndrome will also feel pain that starts in the knee but also moves up the side of the thigh.
Those who have iliotibial band syndrome may see pain and swelling at the hip joint.
People with iliotibial band syndrome may feel a snapping sensation when the bent knee is straightened.

One good thing to note: People with iliotibial band syndrome will see little swelling and should not notice a change in their ability to move their knees.

The Facts on Iliotibial Band Syndrome

1. What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

Iliotibial band syndrome is an inflammatory condition affecting the iliotibial band, a fibrous band extending from the hip to the lateral knee that can become inflamed as it rubs over the knee’s lateral condyle. The iliotibial band helps keep the knee and hip stable.

2. What are Some Causes of Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

Increased running is the number one cause of iliotibial band syndrome.
Running down hill can cause increased knee pain due to iliotibial band syndrome.

Changing anything about your workout – for instance, running on asphalt instead of a treadmill – could cause the onset of iliotibial band syndrome.
Wearing worn out shoes, especially if you run on a regular basis, can contribute to the development of iliotibial band syndrome.

Many people who have specific conditions are at increased risk for developing knee pain due to iliotibial band syndrome.

People with pronation are susceptible to iliotibial band syndrome.
Those suffering from a tight iliotibial band are more at risk for developing iliotibial band syndrome.
Leg length inequality is a condition that can cause iliotibial band syndrome.
People with weak quadriceps muscles can contribute to your risk for iliotibial band syndrome.

3. What are Some Ways to Relieve and Prevent Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

People who want to reduce knee pain due to iliotibial band syndrome should reduce the amount of time they spend participating in certain activities, such as running. Those who regularly stretch and engage in strengthening exercises are also helping to treat their case of iliotibial band syndrome.

In addition, try following these tips to relieve pain due to iliotibial band syndrome:

Give ice massages to the painful area to help treat iliotibial band syndrome.
Wear knee supports for knee pain relief to ease pain due to iliotibial band syndrome.
Strengthen the quadriceps to help treat and prevent your case of iliotibial band syndrome.
Consult a podiatrist for custom-made orthotics to help ease knee pain due to iliotibial band syndrome.
Avoid running on hills if you want to ease knee pain due to iliotibial band syndrome.
Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication (if needed) to alleviate symptoms of iliotibial band syndrome.
Wear good supportive shoes with added arch supports to provide relief from iliotibial band syndrome.

Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions like iliotibial band syndrome provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health.