IT Band Syndrome Treatment

Understanding Knee Conditions and Available Treatments

IT Band Syndrome Treatment in Alabama

The knee is one of the most heavily used joints in the body. Consequently, it is one of the most vulnerable. Overuse can lead to irritation, inflammation, and pain, making it hard for athletes and active individuals to keep doing what they love. Southlake Orthopaedics delivers complete orthopedic care at offices in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, Alabama. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and a multi-specialty team, our patients receive the highest level of care for less pain, more living.

What Is IT Band Syndrome?

The iliotibial band, also called the IT band, is a thick band of connective tissue that runs alongside the outside of the thigh. It stretches from the top of the hip to the bottom of the knee. Its role is to stabilize the hip and knee joints, keeping them in place when a person walks or runs.

The IT band contains sacs of fluid, called bursae, that help it glide over the knee bone smoothly. If the IT band tightens, however, then the bursae are pinned firmly against the knee. Rather than gliding smoothly, the band begins to rub against the knee. The resulting friction causes irritation in the IT band and bursae. This irritation is known as IT band syndrome.

IT Band Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms of IT band syndrome are strongest after periods of intense activity and may feel better after resting. Common symptoms include:

Aching or burning pain
Pain that radiates up and down the entire leg
Stiffness on the outside of the knee and hip
Clicking or popping in the knee or hip joint
Warmth or redness on the outside of the knee

The syndrome typically develops slowly. At first, patients only experience pain after exercise. As the condition worsens, however, they might feel it during exercise or while resting.

IT Band Syndrome Causes and Risk Factors

IT band syndrome is most often caused by overuse of the knee and hip joints. It commonly affects athletes and active individuals, especially runners, cyclists, skiers, and soccer players. It may develop due to any sport or activity that involves repetitive knee flexing.

While anybody can develop IT band syndrome, improper training techniques put a person at greater risk of pain. This includes:

Not stretching enough before exercising
Cooling down too quickly after exercising
Suddenly increasing the intensity of training
Not resting enough between workout sessions
Wearing worn-out or poorly fitted shoes
Running on an uneven or tilted surface

These mistakes can tighten the IT band, making it more likely to rub against the knee. IT band syndrome develops as a result. Athletes can avoid IT band syndrome by following approved workout routines and wearing the appropriate footwear.

Diagnosing IT Band Syndrome

People who are experiencing pain during workouts should seek prompt medical care. To diagnose the cause of the pain, the Southlake Orthopaedics team will begin with a thorough physical exam. Our sports medicine physicians test the leg’s range of motion, listen for clicking in the joint, and look for signs of inflammation. They also interview the patient about what symptoms they experience and when.

The physical exam may be followed by medical imaging tests. An X-ray shows clear images of bony structures and can be used to rule out other conditions, including arthritis, that may cause similar symptoms. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be used to examine soft tissue, revealing changes in the IT band and nearby structures.

Treatment Options for IT Band Syndrome

After diagnosis, the Southlake Orthopaedics team will present the patient with an array of treatment options. Most care plans begin with conservative methods to reduce symptoms. Patients may be advised to rest until their IT band heals, taking medications or joint injections to reduce pain. Once the band has healed, physical therapy and rehabilitation are recommended to reduce tightness. This decreases tension and friction, preventing pain from recurring.

Surgery for IT band syndrome is rare and only recommended when other methods do not work. There are a few different approaches to IT band surgery. The inflamed bursae may be removed. If any parts of the IT band are worn down, then the damaged portion will be removed as well. Alternatively, the surgeon may choose to lengthen the IT band to reduce tension.

Meet Our Team

Southlake Orthopaedics delivers a high level of care that is only possible due to our outstanding team. We are home to a team of multi-specialty, board-certified physicians who coordinate their varied expertise in order to provide comprehensive sports medicine care. Meet the doctors here:

Access Treatment for IT Band Syndrome in AL

Knee pain may be common, but it should not keep you from doing the things you love. Patients struggling with IT band syndrome can find comprehensive care at Southlake Orthopaedics. Our multi-specialty team assists patients through every stage of sports injury care, from diagnosis through surgery and into final rehabilitation. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment in Hoover or Birmingham-Grandview, AL.

IT Band Syndrome Treatment

Understanding Knee Conditions and Available Treatments