What is the ilio-tibial band?
The iliotibial tract or iliotibial band (also known as Maissiat's band or IT Band) is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the fascia lata. The action of the ITB and its associated muscles is to extend, abduct, and laterally rotate the hip. In addition, the ITB contributes to lateral knee stabilization. The iliotibial band is an important stabilizer structure of the lateral part of the knee as the joint flexes and extends. The iliotibial band runs along the lateral or outside aspect of the thigh, from the pelvis to the tibia, crossing both the hip and knee joints.
What is iliotibial band syndrome?
It is an inflammation and irritation of the iliotibial band basically from overuse. It can occur as it travels back and forth, crossing the bony prominence of the femoral epicondyle on the lateral aspect of the knee, as the knee flexes and extends. Iliotibial band syndrome is an overuse injury. It causes pain on the outer part of the knee when running as the heel strikes the ground.
Standard treatment of Iliotibial band syndrome.
It consists of rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Physical therapy helps with stretching exercises and other therapy modalities.
What to do if the problem keeps coming back?
As we mentioned above in the description of what the iliotibial band consist of, this structure is an important stabilizer of the lateral aspect of the knee joint. If there is an instability of the knee joint because of laxity of other joint ligaments, then more stress is placed on the iliotibial band and it is irritated from overuse.
When the iliotibial band syndrome persist or keeps recurring, it may signals an instability of the knee due mainly to lateral collateral ligament laxity. In this chronic cases an excellent treatment modality is Proliferative therapy or plasma rich in platelets therapy. These are advanced orthobiologic medicine technique that work healing and strengthening the weaken tissues of old injuries.
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