Iliotibial Band Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

24 Jul Iliotibial Band Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The iliotibial band is a muscle that runs from the hip to the knee, along the outer thigh. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) occurs when the iliotibial band suffers from inflammation due to overuse or poor training habits, causing pain.

ITBS Causes

The syndrome is caused by overuse of the iliotibial band, which itself could be caused by –

• poor training habits
• inadequate stretching before physical activity
• running on a sloped or elevated surface
• anatomy abnormalities

ITBS Symptoms

Common ITBS symptoms include pain and inflammation that becomes worse with physical activity. Patients may experience pain in –

• the outer side of the thigh, just above the knee
• pain along the iliotibial band
• pain felt nearest the knee or hip

ITBS Treatment Options

RICE (Rest, ice, compression and elevation) should begin as soon as pain is experienced to reduce inflammation. OTC anti-inflammatory medicine, such as Ibuprofen may also be recommended for pain relief. Your interventional pain management doctor in Arizona at DISC may recommend steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain; and physical therapy to keep the muscles and tendon supple to prevent further injury.

If you have any questions about interventional pain management in Arizona, call Desert Interventional Spine Consultants (DISC) at 480-838-1914. DISC pain doctors in chandler and Gilbert, AZ are committed to providing the highest quality spine care with cutting edge interventional pain treatments and precise diagnostic tests.

The top pain management doctors in Gilbert, AZ at DISC take a personalized approach to understanding dysfunction at its core. Working with each patient’s unique history, diagnostics and lifestyle, pain doctors create individualized treatment plans.