IT BAND treatment Raleigh NC
The iliotibial band (or tract) is a thick band of tissue that starts on the pelvis and upper thigh and passes along the outside of the knee and attaches to the outer tibia. When the knee moves the iliotibial band slides over a bony prominence on the outer knee (lateral femoral epicondyle). Iliotibial band friction syndrome or iliotibial band tendinitis is a painful condition on the outer (lateral) aspect of the knee that is common in long distance runners.
Wake Nonsurgical Ortho is Triangle’s first private practice solely dedicated to Nonsurgical orthopedics. Duke-trained non-surgical orthopedic specialist, Dr. Matthew Kanaan, is dedicated to making sure that patients receive access to non-surgical treatments for IT band conditions. Dr. Kanaan will take the time to answer any questions you may have so that he can determine the best treatment option for you. For more information, contact our orthopedic clinic in Raleigh at (919) 719-2270 and schedule an appointment today!
What is IT Band Syndrome?
Iliotibial band syndrome is an overuse injury resulting from the inflammation of iliotibial band. Iliotibial band is a tough group of fibers that begins at the iliac crest of hip and runs along the outside of the thigh, to get attached to the outer side of the shin bone just below the knee joint. Its function is to coordinate with the thigh muscles and provide stability the knee joint. Iliotibial band syndrome occurs when the iliotibial band and the lower outside portion of the thigh bone at the knee joint rub against each other. It commonly occurs in athletes, cyclists, and runners.
What Can Cause IT Band Syndrome?
Iliotibial band syndrome can occur from quickly increasing distances with running or biking type activities. Other predisposing factors associated with the injury include running on uneven surfaces, wearing improper fitting shoes, uneven leg length, muscle imbalance, over pronation of foot, and bowed legs.
The average jogger strikes the foot against the ground 3,000 times per mile. This adds up to 60,000 foot impacts for every twenty miles. While running you only have one foot on the ground at a time. When walking, 30 percent of the time, both feet are on the ground. When running, the force of landing has been estimated to be about three times your body weight. This means that if you weigh 150 pounds, the force in your leg when you land is around 450 pounds. Shoe mileage should also be considered. After 500 miles most shoes retain less than 60% of their initial shock absorption capacity. When cycling, with each pedaling stroke, the iliotibial band slides over the lateral femoral epicondyle. Knee flexion and extension occur approximately 4800 times an hour (at an average cadence of 80 revolutions per minute), so the iliotibial band is susceptible to repetitive irritation.
What Are the Symptoms of IT Band Syndrome?
Children with iliotibial band syndrome may have pain on the outer side of the knee, swelling at the site of injury, and popping sensation may be felt when the knee is bent and then straightened. Pain may worsen after running, climbing stairs, and walking and reduced when your child is at rest.
How Does Dr. Kanaan Treat Patients Suffering from IT Band Syndrome?
Non-Surgical IT Band Treatment Options
The goal of the treatment is to reduce the inflammation and to relieve the pain. The treatment options include:
- Rest: Allow the joint to rest to reduce the inflammation. Do not encourage your child to run or participate in any physical activity that may worsen the pain.
- Ice application: Ice packs should be applied to the site of injury which will help to diminish swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes four times a day for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin.
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain and swelling.
- Foam Roller Myofascial Release- A foam roller is used underneath the tight iliotibial band to loosen it. Although this is painful, it is one of the most useful stretches to relieve the tissues.
- Physical therapy: Physiotherapists will teach your child stretching exercises and techniques to loosen the tight structures. This exercise is done by holding the affected knee close to opposite armpit while keeping the other leg straight on the floor. These exercises help to strengthen the iliotibial band and the surrounding muscles.
- Ultrasound Guided Steroid Injections
- PRP Injections – using your own blood we can try to stimulate healing of the tendon
Schedule an Appointment for IT Band Treatment
Dr. Kanaan is highly trained at diagnosing and treating IT Band Syndrome. He will discover the best treatment option for you. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact our office in Raleigh, NC at (919) 719-2270.