We treat a lot of iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic because of the close relationship between foot function and iliotibial band syndrome. Foot orthotics, for example, are a common therapy for ITBS. Read more about orthotics for iliotibial band syndrome.
What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome?
The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick and tough band of tissue that runs on the outside of the thigh. It stats at the hip and then inserts below the knee on the outside of the shin bone (the tibia). Along with the muscles in the area it acts to stabilize the knee and assist in bending the knee. It also helps with some hip motions.
Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition where there is irritation of the ITB. This often occurs where it attaches into the knee, but can occur anywhere along the ITB. It is often due to the ITB being too tight or too short.
Pain is often increased with activities such as hiking, running and the use of stairs. It tends to hurt more during the activity and decreases after you stop.
Why Does Iliotibial Band Syndrome Occur?
There are several reasons people get ITBS. Sometimes it is the way your legs are shaped. For example it is more common in those who are bow-legged or whose legs rotate inward more than average. Always running on one side of the street can contribute to it by forcing one foot to always tilt outwards which increasing tension on the iliotibial band.
Biomechanical problems of the feet are also a very common contributor to ITBS. Excessive pronation and flat feet often cause ITBS by increasing the tension on the outside of the thigh. When your feet flatten, the leg rotates inward. This motion acts to stretch and tighten the ITB. This tight ITB rubs on the bones of the knee and/or the hip. Sometimes it is just the tightness that causes the pain.
How is Iliotibial Band Syndrome Treated?
Custom Foot Orthotics for Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Custom foot orthotics are often a primary treatment for iliotibial band syndrome if your ITBS is related to excessive pronation or flat feet. They are not as effective when the problem is caused by being bow-legged. We can help you determine if orthotics are a viable treatment for you. Custom orthotics for iliotibial band syndrome should be made to limit excessive pronation. It is very important that the orthotics conform extremely close to the arch (total contact orthotics) in order to accomplish this.
Read more here how your orthotics should be made. Although not as effective as custom orthotics, some prefabricated orthotics can be beneficial. Because they cost less than custom orthotics, it is often worth trying them.
Read here about our recommended prefabricated orthotics for iliotibial
band syndrome.
Stretching the IT Band
Stretching is a very important aspect of treating ITBS. One of the most effective treatments is the use of a
foam roller. The short video below demonstrates how to use it.
Other Treatments for ITBS
We will work with you to determine the best treatment for your ITBS. Contact us today for an appointment in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic. If you are not in the Seattle area, you can try these ITBS home treatments.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome References
1.
Orchard JW, Fricker PA, Abud AT, Mason BR. Biomechanics of iliotibial band friction syndrome in runners. Am J Sports Med. 1996 May-Jun;24(3):375-9.
2. Fairclough J, Hayashi K. Is iliotibial band syndrome really a friction syndrome? J Sci Med Sport. 2007 Apr;10(2):74-6.
3. Fairclough J, Hayashi K. The functional anatomy of the iliotibial band during flexion and extension of the knee: implications for understanding iliotibial band syndrome. J Anat. 2006 Mar;208(3):309-16
WEBSITE DISCLAIMER
For website errors ONLY email webmaster at
WEBMASTER
All pages on this website © 2005-2010
Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
The material provided on this web site is for informative purposes only.
If you need specific medical advice, please contact the office for an appointment.
