Ilio-tibial band syndrome
The iliotibial tract is a thick band of fascia that runs on the lateral side of the thigh from the iliac crest and inserts at the knee at a bony projection called as Gerdy’s tubercle. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is the second most common knee injury caused by inflammation located on the lateral aspect of the knee due to friction between the iliotibial band and the lateral epicondyle of the femur.It is considered a non-traumatic overuse injury, often seen in runners, and is often concomitant with underlying weakness of hip abductor muscles.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sharp Pain on lateral aspect of knee specially during climbing down stairs when heel strikes the floor
- May be an audible snapping sensation when bending knee
- Localised tenderness with/without swelling on lateral aspect of knee
- Feeling of tightness on lateral aspect of knee
Risk Factors
- Poor hip or pelvic mobility.
- Fascial restrictions and tightness in the lower leg or pelvic muscle.
- Bowlegged, a medical condition known as a varus deformity.
- Total knee or hip replacement
- Weakness in the hip external rotators and the hip abductors, such as the Gluteus medius and the Tensor fasciae latae (TFL).
- Improper training or not being prepared for the terrain.
- Improper footwear.
- Gait or running abnormalities, such as over striding or scissoring (when your leg crosses over the midline with each step).
JEEVISHA protocol for management of Ilio-Tibial band syndrome:
- Medications: In the initial course of the management of this condition, patients may be prescribed some Muscle relaxant medications. Some other medications may be prescribed depending on the condition of the patient, which is individualized from patient to patient basis.
- Physiotherapy:Physiotherapy, involving stretches of the muscles surrounding the knee joint, plays a very important role in fighting these painful conditions. With a team of dedicated physiotherapist, patient is further evaluated and accordingly a plan is prepared for first reducing pain with different modalities and then slowly rehabilitating shoulder for normal functioning.
Targeted treatment:
- Dry needling sessions
- Ultrasound guided Platelet rich plasma injections
- Ultrasound guided Prolotherapy