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Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a condition that causes pain at the lateral (outside) knee joint and is exacerbated by activity. It is an overuse condition resulting from repeated extension and flexion of the knees and therefore commonly affects runners and cyclists. It also tends to occur in individuals with a sudden increase in activity level.
The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick fascia band that runs from the outside hip to the outside knee and helps to provide rotational stability to the hip and knee. The cause of ITBS is often multifactorial and if left untreated, it can affect your ability to walk, run or climb stairs.
There are 2 proposed causes of ITBS – repetitive traction and repetitive friction. Several risk factors contribute to these causes.
Repetitive traction occurs when there is an increased demand for our ITB to stabilise the rotational movements of our lower limb, especially during activity such as long-distance running, or when a person has excessive pronation. Prolonged traction creates stress on the ITB and results in pain and inflammation.
Repetitive friction occurs when the ITB constantly glides forward and backwards over a bony protrusion of the thighbone (femur), known as lateral femoral condyle. This friction creates pain and inflammation of the ITB and the bursa between these two structures.
The risk factors of ITBS include:
Signs and symptoms of ITBS include:
Addressing the underlying causes of the condition is essential in reducing further stress and preventing deterioration. Depending on the severity of the condition, addressing the injured ITB will be necessary to recover properly.
Treatment options for ITBS in Singapore include:
Straits Podiatry (Buona Vista),
31 Rochester Drive,
#02-01 (Hotel Block),
Singapore 138637
Straits Podiatry (Katong),
i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Rd,
#03-01/02/03/04/28,
Singapore, 428802.
Straits Podiatry (Orchard),
Healthway Japanese Medical
@The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Rd,
#06-05,
Singapore, 238843