Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Running is a thrilling way to stay fit and stave off the diseases that come with inactivity and excess weight. Unfortunately, it is hard to keep up with a running or walking schedule when you are dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms of iliotibial band syndrome. Without treatment, you may have to give up your running practice or risk permanent damage to the legs. Athletes who are concerned about interrupting their training plans may want to work on preventing the syndrome in the first place.

What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome

The three major joints of the legs are anchored with a wide strip of ligament that runs down the outside of each limb. This is known as the iliotibial band. The ligament attaches to the hip, the knee, and the side of the shin down to the ankle. Without this band, the force of each step would cause the joints to push outward. Since this band is required for stabilization, it is easily irritated by a variety of injuries and poor running techniques.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome Symptoms

Start your treatment process by ruling out other causes of leg pain and similar symptoms. The signs usually associated with Iliotibial Band Syndrome include:

  • Pain and burning on the outer side of either knee
  • Irritation and inflammation that appears just a few minutes after you begin an activity
  • Symptoms that fade with rest but return when active
  • Minor to no swelling
  • Diffused sensations that begin as sharp or stabbing pains
  • Inflammation on the outer sides of the hip

Cause of Iliotibial Band Syndrome

There is a simple cause behind this syndrome. There is a rare chance of birth defects that affect the knee’s function, but most patients cause the problem with their behavior. The process of development usually includes:

  • Excessive running, standing, walking, or other exercises that work the legs
  • Inflammation to the bursa, which is a soft pad that prevents the illiotibial band from rubbing against bone
  • Inadequate rest time for healing

A fall or other injury can also strain the IT band and leave it sore. This kind of trauma will usually result in pain that is constant, not just triggered by activity. If the symptoms don’t heal within a week, seek treatment to rule out more serious bone or muscle damage.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome Risks

Many runners put them selves at risk for developing these symptoms with the choices they make while training. A little education go 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

Iliotibial Band Syndrome Treatment Options

IT band syndrome doesn’t have to keep you on the sidelines for an entire season if you seek advice and treatment when symptoms first manifest. Take a break from your daily jog and see us in Westminster and Broomfield 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

Support Your Fitness Routine By Managing Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Visiting our office is the quickest way to determine if you have common runner’s injury or a bigger problem. Anytime you take a fall or have pain that won’t fade with a few days of rest, you may have nerve inflammation or a hard to find fracture. Let us put your mind at ease if you do have Iliotibial Band Syndrome with noninvasive and effective treatments. To start determining the cause of your leg pain, contact us at our Westminister area clinic today.

The Initial Visit

When you arrive for your first visit, a member of the Mile High Spine & Pain Center team will spend time with you collecting your patient history. This information will help your Mile High Spine & Pain Center 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. The Team at Mile High Spine & Pain Center has a lot of experience with Iliotibial Band Syndrome, but we will also need your participation in your care for the best results.

Feel free to look at our testimonials page to see what others have said about our Mile High Spine & Pain Center. We’re proud to be part of their health care team. We want to thank you for considering us to help with your Iliotibial Band Syndrome. It does not have to be a life sentence. You don’t have to become another statistic, Iliotibial Band Syndrome is a fixable problem.

Free IBS (Iliotibial Band Syndrome) Consultation

If you are suffering from Iliotibial Band Syndrome, the team at Mile High Spine & Pain Center are ready to help. Mile High Spine & Pain Center provides specialized treatment plans for Iliotibial Band Syndrome to patients in Westminster and Broomfield and can help you understand where your symptoms are coming from and what it will take to improve.

Call (720) 507-0080 today to schedule your free consultation!

Mile High Spine & Pain Center