Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
What is it?
Iliotibial band friction syndrome is a form of
bursitis on either side, or lateral part, of the knee.
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, which is a
fluid-filled sac that provides a cushion between a bone
and tissues, such as a ligament.
Who gets it?
Iliotibial band friction syndrome is a common injury
in cyclists and people who participate in physical
activities that involve running.
What causes it?
The iliotibial band is a ligament that runs from the
top of the hip to the outside of the knee. This
ligament keeps the knee stable during activity such as
running or riding a bike. Iliotibial band friction
syndrome is caused by the iliotibial band rubbing
against a projection at the end of the femur (thigh
bone). This is more likely to occur in people who run
on sloped surfaces, wear unsupportive running shoes, or
have an abnormal running gait, all of which can cause
the leg to bend inward. It can also be caused by
overuse, not warming up sufficiently before exercising,
an abnormally tight iliotibial band, or by popliteus
tendonitis, an inflammation of the muscle that is
located in the back of the knee joint. This muscle
flexes the leg and helps with rotation.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of iliotibial band friction
syndrome is a sharp, burning pain along each side of
the knee after running or cycling. The outside of the
knee may also be tender or swollen. The pain prevents
the patient from continuing the physical activity, but
usually goes away with rest.
How is it diagnosed?
Iliotibial band friction syndrome is diagnosed by
its symptoms. Your doctor will ask about the type of
physical activity you participate in regularly, and may
press on the iliotibial band in the area where it joins
the femur to check for tenderness.
What is the treatment?
To treat iliotibial band friction syndrome, your
doctor will recommend rest from your normal athletic
activities. Ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs will relieve swelling and pain. Once the pain is
gone, your doctor can recommend stretching and
strengthening exercises to regain mobility. With your
doctor’s approval, you can then resume your running or
cycling activities. However, he or she will recommend
running on flat surfaces or adjusting the position of
your bicycle seat or pedals to reduce stress on the
iliotibial band. People with unusual gaits may need to
wear special shoe inserts called orthotics to change
the position of the foot during physical activity. Most
patients can resume normal activities within two to
four weeks. Patients whose pain is not relieved by this
type of treatment may need to receive cortisone
injections in the iliotibial band to relieve
inflammation and pain. Surgery on the iliotibial band
is only performed when all other measures fail.
Self-care tips
Most patients will recover completely if they follow
the recommended treatment plan for iliotibial band
friction syndrome. You can help prevent this condition
by stretching before any physical activity and
performing regular exercises to strengthen the muscles
in the legs.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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