Ilio-tibial band syndrome (Outside knee & hip pain)
Definition:
A common overuse injury in athletes caused by abnormal friction & torsion of the ilio-tibial band over the knee and hip joints.
Symptoms:
This condition commonly exhibits a gradual but rather severe pain on the outside knee joint and less commonly on the outside hip section. Sometimes, simply walking up or down stairs may aggravate this condition. The pain usually subsides immediately upon rest but reoccurs with activity.
Biomechanical etiology:
Excess pronation causes excess internal tibial rotation which effectively causes the ilio-tibial band to shear over the lateral femoral condyle, resulting in friction, tightness and secondary inflammation.
Treatment:
Orthotics control the internal rotation of the tibia and furthermore the rotation on the knee and hip joint. Thereby, reducing tractional and frictional forces on the ilio-tibial band.
Additional treatment: Ice therapy
Exercises:
Strengthening and stretching of the ilio-tibial band.
Summary
Ilio-tibial band syndrome:
Pain caused by abnormal friction and traction of the ilio-tibial band over the femur due to rotation of tibia and femur, associated with excess pronation.
Treatment:
Pre-molded orthotic or custom made orthotic. Other: strengthening & stretching of the ilio-tibial band