What is the IT band?

The IT band originates at the top of the hip and has attachments at the origin of three different muscle groups; the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and the vastus lateralis. The IT band becomes a fibrous band of tissue that progresses down the lateral aspect of the thigh, crosses the knee joint and inserts onto the tibia at Gerdy's tubercle.

 

The classic symptoms of IT band syndrome are pain along the lateral aspect of the knee joint, sometimes accompanied by clicking when the knee bends. The clicking occurs because the IT band will tighten and snap across the knee joint during running. Some runners will have increased pain when running up or down hills.

 

IT band syndrome is a progressive problem. It will start out with tightness and advance to debilitating pain. The traditional view of this injury has focused on the tightness of this structure and overtraining. There is no doubt that the IT band will become tighter when it is injured. The tightness, however, is a result of the injury and not the actual cause. The cause of the injury actually lies in the function of the IT band.

 

The main function of the IT band is to assist the hip muscle in abduction and to stabilize the lateral side of the knee. The IT band is not a strong structure and if the surrounding muscles have any weakness, injury and IT band syndrome will result. Runners are notoriously weak in their hip and core muscles and for this reason they tend to fall victim to IT band syndrome.

 

Treatment of IT band syndrome.

The mainstay of treatment for IT band syndrome is stretching, ice and the careful use of anti-inflammatory medications. Tackling this problem with a systematic approach will help your patient return to their sport quickly.

 

The first phase of treatment requires proper diagnosis and identification of any causative factors. Once this is established, the next phase is aimed at reducing pain. Rest may have to play a part during this phase. Other treatments include physical therapy, ice and stretching. Cross training is also a good way to treat this problem and can be done if it does not cause pain. Deep tissue massage along the full length of the IT band can also be initiated to help mobilize the tissues, and is important before moving to the final phase. If patients can afford to work with a massage therapist, then seeing one, one to two times per week is ideal. Otherwise, using a foam roller over the lateral part of the thigh is another way to help stretch this area.

 

The final phase will include strengthening of the hip muscles with special attention to the gluteus medius. Exercises that include lateral leg raises are a great way to help strengthen this important muscle group.

 

Once the pain is improved then it is time for your patient to return to their sport.  Of course, IT band syndrome can reoccur but if patients stay diligent with stretches and hip strengthening exercises then they should be able to train as much as they would like.

 

Dr. McFadden is apart of the Men's Health Program at Florida Hospital East Orlando. The Men's Health Program focuses on the top 10 health concerns facing men, which can be prevented or delayed with early diagnosis and treatment. For the program, Dr. McFadden specifically focuses on sports injuries and the treatment of overuse of muscles, joints and ligaments, including but not limited to bruises, sprains or strains. To refer a patient to the Men's Health Program, contact 407.303.1700.

 

 

 

Dr. Sean McFadden

Atlas Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

7975 LakeUnderhill Road, Suite 330,

Orlando, FL 32822

407.381.8441