Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome
Understanding IT Band Syndrome
The iliotibial band (IT band) is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from your hip down to just below your outer knee. IT Band Syndrome is a common overuse injury most oftenseen in runners and endurance athletes. It presents as pain along the outside of the thigh or knee, often worsening when going down stairs or during repetitive bending activity.
Causes
- Overuse – Increasing mileage or training load too quickly.
- Lack of variation in training.
- Weak hip muscles – Especially the hip abductors and lateral glutes.
- Over-pronation – At the foot or ankle.
- Tight or weak leg muscles – Hamstrings and quadriceps imbalance.
Symptoms
- Pain or burning sensation on the outside of the knee.
- Tenderness when pressing on the outer knee.
- Redness or warmth around the area.
- Snapping or “popping” when bending the knee.
- Tightness or aching along the outer thigh.
Treatment
Treatment at Prestidge Chiropractic includes manual soft tissue release, stretching and mobility exercises, hip workout and knee strengthening for knee ligament injuries, core stabilisation, gait assessment, and education on load management.
Specialist & Regenerative Medicine Options
In cases where IT Band Syndrome becomes chronic or fails to respond to physiotherapy and load management, our Prestidge sports physicians can offer targeted injectable and regenerative treatments to address underlying soft tissue changes.
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy — PRP injected into the area of maximal IT band friction or into the lateral knee bursa reduces chronic inflammation and promotes healing of the involved connective tissue.
- Corticosteroid Injections — An ultrasound-guided steroid injection into the IT band bursa can provide rapid relief from acute inflammation, facilitating re-engagement with rehabilitation.
- Prolotherapy — Injection into the ITB attachment points and lateral knee ligament structures helps address underlying laxity or instability contributing to the syndrome.
- Dry Needling under Image Guidance — Targeted needling of the IT band and associated trigger points can release fascial restriction and reduce localised pain and tightness.
Our sports and exercise physicians at Prestidge work alongside your treating clinician to determine which option best suits your condition, goals, and stage of injury. Image-guided procedures are performed with precision and care. Visit prestidge.com.au to learn more about our full range of specialist services.
Prevention Tips
- Strength training for hip pain and legs pain.
- Stretching before and after activity.
- Active recovery using foam rollers or massage tools.
- Avoiding sudden spikes in mileage or intensity.
- Choosing supportive footwear for your gait.