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Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome

Written by Aric Gomez, DC

The Iliotibial (IT) band is a tough group of fibers that run along the outside of the thigh. It begins at the hip and extends to the outer side of the shin bone (tibia) just below the knee joint. Iliotibial Band Syndrome is due to inflammation of this band. The IT band acts primarily as a stabilizer during running and may become irritated from overuse. The pain is generally felt on the outside (lateral) aspect of the knee or lower thigh.

ITB Stretches

All stretches should be done after the muscles
have been warmed up

IT Band Friction Syndrome is often predisposed by overuse, training errors or faulty biomechanics. Running on slanted roads can tilt the pelvis because one leg is forced to be longer than the other. The biomechanical abnormalities that may lead to IT band problems include: excessive pronation of the foot, leg length discrepancy, lateral pelvic tilt, and "bowed" legs. Muscle tightness or lack of flexibility in the gluteal or quadriceps muscles may exacerbate IT band injuries.

What can be done/Chiropractic Treatment:
Chiropractic management of ITB friction syndrome is a multi-step process beginning with reducing the stress on the ITB. This may include manual therapy of muscles (usually the TFL and Lateral Rectus being the problem areas), adjustments for proper alignment of the hips or ankles and physical therapy modalities such as muscle stimulation and ultrasound to reduce inflammation and scar tissue.

At Home Care:
1. Reduce inflammation with icing after activity and throughout the day.
(15 min. w/thin paper towel barrier - at least one hour between icing)

2. Massage the TFL or any lumps within the IT band and Lateral Rectus muscle

3. Supplement w/ Bromelain (proteolytic enzyme that helps with the reduction of inflammation). 4x/day on an empty stomach - up to 1,000 to 2,000 Mg/day

Note - do not use in conjunction with warfarin or other blood thinning agents

ITB Stretches
All stretches should be done after the muscles have been warmed up (at least five minutes of exercise). Stretches should be done after all bouts of exercise. Hold the stretched position for 10-15 seconds and repeat 3-5 times. Take the stretch to the point where you feel a strong stretch but it’s not painful.

For additional information call Dr. Aric Gomez at 329-5599.

For those that want to speak to a live person, please call the office at 775-828-4547 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. PST.