If you are a runner or cyclist, chances are you have experienced or have heard of IT Band syndrome. This condition leaves you with tight and achy pain in your leg as well as tenderness below the knee. A little over 10 percent of runners and about 25 percent of cyclists experience this condition at some point while participating in their sport.
What is ITB?
The Ilio-tibial band which refers to the ilium bone and the tibia just below the knee is a band of connective tissue that helps stabilize the knee.
This band is like a cushion or protective barrier for the knee. However, when the band is overworked it can stretch beyond its capacity resulting in injury. Activities such as running and biking tend to make the band tighter which can cause a great deal of tension in the leg and cause pain in the knee and hip.
How Do I Know My Pain is ITBS?
The best way to know if your pain is associated from ITBS is to consult with a physician or our Atlanta chiropractors. Our chiropractors will ask many questions to determine if ITBS is the right diagnosis however some common symptoms are:
- Pain started after running, typically during weeks you are increasing mileage
- Tenderness on the outside of the knee just below the joint line
- Occurs while lengthening your stride
- Swelling just below the knee
- A line of tight fibers can be felt on the outside of the thigh
Treatment
There are two phases of ITBS and depending upon which phase your condition is in will determine your course of treatment.
When there is pain and inflammation, the injury is in the acute stage and can last for about 1to 2 days. This is the most common phase in which athletes notice this condition and after about two days there may be some tightness however the pain and inflammation has dissipated. Resting for a few days is recommended to allow for the band to become less tight and allow for the pain to minimize.
If you suspect that this condition is something you may have experience or at experiencing, contact our Atlanta chiropractors for a consultation at (404) 889-8828!