Ilio Tibial Band Friction Syndrome

The Ilio Tibial Band (ITB) extends from the tensor fascia latae muscle, which begins at the outer edge of the hip, and inserts on the outside of the knee at the femur, fibula and tibia.

The function of the ITB is to aid in preventing your leg from buckling as the knee flexes and extends under body weight.

Down hill running especially, can aggravate the ITB, because the leg is more flexed for longer periods of time during running gait.

Ilio-Tibial Band Friction Syndrome presents with aching on the outside of the thigh or at the outside of the knee.  Typically runners with this problem will feel pain several minutes into their run.

Due to the placement of the ITB insertion on the outer knee, as one bends and flexes the knee, some friction may occur at the lateral condyle of the tibia (enlarged part of the bone).  This is exacerbated by pronation (fallen arches) because it causes the tibia to rotate in, pulling the ITB across the condyle even more.

Foot orthotics combined with physiotherapy and proper footwear are excellent solutions when treating Ilio-Tibial Band Friction Syndrome.