What is IT Band Pain?

IT Band pain is often caused by overuse, and it can be a real nuisance. The iliotibial band is a long strip of connective tissue that runs from the hip to the outside of the knee. It helps to stabilize the knee joint, and when it becomes inflamed, it can cause a lot of pain.

What Causes IT Band Pain?

There are a few things that can cause IT Band pain. One of the most common is overuse. If you participate in activities that involve a lot of repetitive motion, such as running or cycling, you may be more likely to experience IT Band pain. Another common cause of IT Band pain is incorrect form. If you’re not using proper form when you’re participating in activities, it can put extra strain on the IT Band and cause it to become inflamed.

Are You at Risk?

This condition is also known as Runner’s Knee. Many runners put themselves at risk for developing these symptoms with the choices they make while training. A little education goes a long way to prevent this disruptive condition, even if you are an experienced runner. Avoid practices that put you at risk like:

Challenging runs down hills or at an angle, which puts even more pressure on the band
Worn or incorrectly fitted running shoes
Poor running technique that twists the leg as it strikes the grounds
Excessive exercise without plenty of time to rest between sessions
Insufficient stretching and warmup time
Running on concrete without extra supportive shoes

Symptoms

The main symptom is pain on the outer side of your knee, just above the joint. Early on, the pain might go away after you warm up. Over time though, you may notice it gets worse as you exercise. Other symptoms include:

Aching, burning, or tenderness on the outside of your knee
Feeling a click, pop, or snap on the outside of your knee
Pain up and down your leg
Warmth and redness on the outside of your knee

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to avoid IT Band pain. One of the most important is to make sure you warm up properly before participating in any activity. A good warm-up will help to loosen the muscles and prepare them for activity. It’s also important to use proper form when participating in activities. If you’re not sure what proper form is, ask a certified instructor or trainer for help. Finally, be sure to listen to your body. If you start to experience pain, take a break and rest.

Treatment Options

IT band syndrome doesn’t have to keep you home on Halloween if you seek advice and treatment when symptoms first manifest. Take a break from your daily jog and see us in Brookfield for help with:

MRI scans to determine if the tendons are swollen or enlarged
Instruction on exercise adjustments that eliminate the irritation
Gentle stretching to help you eliminate tension in the hip or knee
Massage and pain management for short term injury

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you arrive for your first visit, Dr. Miller or a member of the Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab team will spend time with you collecting your patient history. This information will help your Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab Team know how significant your Iliotibial Band Syndrome problem is and how best to help you. As you get started with a treatment plan for your Iliotibial Band Syndrome, we will most likely give you some at home tips to be aware of. Our team at Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab has a lot of experience with Iliotibial Band Syndrome, but we will also need your participation in your care for the best results.

Fight Knee Pain with Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab

If you’re dealing with knee pain, the team at Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab can help. We specialize in the treatment of IT band syndrome and other knee injuries. We offer a variety of treatment options that are designed to help you find relief from your pain and get back to your life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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