Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve, causing buttock pain and sciatica-like symptoms. Physiotherapy, stretching, strengthening, and targeted treatments help relieve pain.
Understanding IT Band Syndrome
The iliotibial band is a thick band of connective tissue running from the outer hip to just below the outer knee. IT Band Syndrome is a common overuse injury in runners and cyclists, occurring when the IT band becomes irritated through repetitive friction over the lateral femoral condyle. It is one of the most frequent causes of outer knee pain in athletes.
Causes
- Sudden increase in training load or mileage
- Weak hip abductors and lateral gluteal muscles
- Over-pronation at the foot or ankle
- Running on cambered surfaces or the same track direction
- Worn footwear without adequate lateral support
- Tight IT band and hip flexor muscles
Symptoms
- Sharp, burning pain on the outer knee during or after activity
- Tenderness over the lateral femoral condyle
- Tightness along the outer thigh
- Pain worsening with downhill running or stair descent
- Occasional clicking or snapping sensation
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical. Your clinician will assess hip strength, running mechanics, foot posture, and footwear. MRI may be used in complex or persistent cases.
Treatment
- Manual therapy and soft tissue release of the IT band and TFL
- Hip abductor and gluteal strengthening
- Gait retraining and footwear assessment
- Activity and load modification
- Core stabilisation exercises
Rehabilitation & Exercise
Caution: Perform all exercises only as directed by your Healthweave clinician. Stop any exercise that increases your pain and inform your practitioner. Exercise programs are tailored to individual needs and must not be self-prescribed.
IT Band Syndrome rehabilitation addresses the root causes of excessive IT band tension.
Strengthening the hip abductors is the most important intervention. Training does not need to stop — it can be modified to maintain fitness while the injury heals.
- Hip abductor and gluteal strengthening — side-lying abduction, clamshells, and bridge variations
- IT band and hip flexor stretching
- Foam rolling of the lateral thigh — under clinician guidance
- Calf and thigh stretching to address lower leg tension
- Gait retraining to reduce IT band loading during running
Specialist & Regenerative Medicine Options
For chronic IT Band Syndrome or where significant soft tissue changes are present, our Prestidge sports physicians can offer targeted treatments.
- Corticosteroid injections — to reduce acute IT band bursa inflammation and allow rehabilitation to recommence
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy — for chronic tissue changes, PRP may support soft tissue healing
- Prolotherapy — injection into lateral knee ligament structures to address contributing laxity
- Dry needling under ultrasound — for trigger point release in the TFL and IT band
Our sports and exercise physicians at Prestidge work alongside your treating clinician to
determine the most appropriate option for your condition, goals, and stage of recovery. All
injectable and prescription treatments are subject to individual clinical assessment. Visit
healthweave.com.au or prestidge.com to learn more.
Important: All specialist consultations, prescription treatments, and injectable procedures are subject to individual clinical assessment by a registered medical practitioner. Suitability, benefits, and risks will be discussed at your consultation. No outcomes are guaranteed. Prescription medicines are only available following appropriate medical review in accordance with TGA and AHPRA requirements. Exercise programs should be performed only as directed by your Healthweave clinician. Exercise images © CPDO / Educom Pty. Ltd. — used under licence.
Prevention Tips
- Gradually increase training load
- Maintain hip and core strength
- Replace worn running shoes regularly
- Vary running surfaces and directions
- Address technique issues with a clinician