Fix Runner’s Knee with Iliotibial Band Treatment

Running is a great way to stay fit and healthy, however, it can be hard to keep up with your routine if you struggle with “runner’s knee”. This is also known as iliotibial (IT) band syndrome. This band is easily irritated through injuries and poor running techniques. This can cause you pain, swelling, irritation and many more symptoms that may cause you to have to stop running or exercising. The best way to combat runner’s knee is to avoid a problem with your iliotibial band before it happens. When problems do arise, we have excellent treatments to help get your body back in shape and your iliotibial band working properly. Support your fitness routine today by preventing and managing iliotibial band syndrome with the help of Texas Spine & Sports Therapy Center!

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

What is iliotibial band syndrome and what does it do? The body is made up of between 640 and 850 muscles. Your tendons bind your muscles to your bones. The ligaments in your body bind your bones to one another. Your ligaments help stabilize the joints in the body when you move and are active. They also provide a structural support for the bones. Muscles in the body have the ability to stretch and are generally flexible. This is not so with the ligaments. They have a limited stretching ability and they limit how far a joint is able to move. This protects you from injury.

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 where your iliotibial band ligament is located. It attaches to the hip, knee and the side of your shin all the way down to your ankle. This band keeps the joints pushing inwards instead of outwards when you walk or run and you need this ligament for stabilization. However, overworking the body can cause the iliotibial band to become painful and inflamed.

Runner’s Knee

Iliotibial Band Syndrome is often known by the name of “runner’s knee”. Why? Because this injury is so common among runners, especially those who are avid athletes. In some cases, a birth defect can affect how the knee functions, but most people will get runner’s knee because they overwork the iliotibial band ligament. This can be caused by excessive running, standing, walking or other exercises that involve the legs.

According to Runner’s World, the stress of running can cause irritation right where the kneecap rests on the thigh bone. This irritation will cause chronic pain that can come on suddenly and sharp. They report that the cause is most often traced back to “poorly-conditioned quadriceps and tight hamstrings.” That means, adding in some strength training and stretching into your workout routine might not be a bad idea. It might just help you avoid runner’s knee altogether.

Signs of Trouble

How do you know you are suffering from problems with the iliotibial band? There are many signs you should look out for besides just chronic pain. You could experience pain and burning on the outer side of either knee. Irritation and inflammation is also a common symptom and can begin to appear just a few minutes after beginning physical activity or a workout. Inflammation is common, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you will have swelling. A common symptom reported in runners is also inflammation on the outer sides of the hip or diffused sensations that begin as sharp or stabbing pains.

With many injuries, you have constant symptoms. With runner’s knee, you may see your symptoms fade when you rest but then come back when your active and running. A fall or other injury can also strain the IT band and make it sore. If this is the case, then the dull pain will be constant instead of only present with physical activity. When any of these signs of trouble begin to set in, make sure you listen to your body and take ample time to rest.

Rehabilitative Treatments

Not allowing yourself rest is actually one of the causes of iliotibial band syndrome. For many patients, they may have excessive running or workout routines without allowing their bodies adequate time to heal. The muscles, ligaments, bones, etc., need time to recover after a workout or injuries can occur. When you become injured, seek out rehabilitative treatments as soon as possible! You have a greater chance of recovering quicker from IT band syndrome when symptoms first manifest. Come into our office to receive help such as:

• Gentle stretching (and tips for stretching) that will help you relieve tension in the hip or knee.
• MRI scans to determine if the tendons are swollen or enlarged.
• Instruction and tips for adjusting your exercise routine to eliminate irritation.
• Massage and pain management for short-term injuries.
• Vibration exercises and active release technique.
• Anti-inflammatory/joint injections for quick relief of pain.
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation therapies customized for your needs.

Runner’s knee doesn’t have to take you away from running or being active. Our treatments can help soothe the pain you feel and manage your iliotibial band syndrome. Support your fitness routine with our tips and therapies to get you up and running again (quite literally). If you think you are suffering with runner’s knee, call our Texas Spine & Sports Therapy Center today at (512) 806-0015 for your free consultation!