IT band syndrome

“Iliotibial band syndrome (IT band syndrome) can be a cause of lateral hip pain. The IT band is a thick fascia that begins at the ilium of the pelvis, crosses the lateral aspect of the hip (greater trochanter) and extends to the tibia, on the lateral aspect of the knee.”

** American Hip Institute**

Many runners who suffer IT band syndrome will realize that the pain worsen over time if they continue to run, so much so that they are not able to run later on. And also, they will feel pain on the same spot in the run every time they head out the door for a run.

The band is crucial to stabilising the knee while running. However, IT band syndrome is one of the most common running injuries, and its main cause of IT band syndrome is mostly due to weakness in the hip and glutes muscle. If you strengthen the hips and glutes, and you spend a bit of your time on stretching exercises, you can reduce the occurrence of IT band syndrome.

Since IT band syndrome is a very stubborn injury, the best treatment strategy is to rest immediately and see sports medicine doctor – no running.