Runner’s Knee or ITBFS (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome)

By Suzann Knoetzen

Do you have:

• Pain or aching on the outside of your knee
• Increase in the pain with downhill running

You may have ITBFS!

What is the Iliotibial Band (ITB)?

The Iliotibial band is a thick band of fibrous connective tissue that extends from the hip and the Tensor fascia latae muscle to the outer surface of the tibia (shin bone).

What is the function of the ITB?

It plays a role in providing stability to the side of the knee as well as assisting in abduction of the leg (moving the leg out to the side).

What is ITBFS?

ITBFS results from friction between the ITB and the lateral epicondyle of the femur (thigh bone).

Causes of ITBFS

• Overuse eg, running to far to fast.
• Excessive downhill running or running on cambered courses.
• Tightness of the gluteal (buttock) muscles and tensor fascia lata muscle.
• Weak gluteal muscles (Gluteus medius).
• Over-pronation
• Bow legs.

How to treat and/or prevent ITBFS

• Rest. Take a few days break from running or at least reduce your mileage by half.
• AVOID downhill running.
• Replace worn shoes IMMEDIATELY.
• Use of ice packs on the area to provide symptomatic relief.
• Frequent stretching of the ITB.
• Strengthening of the gluteal muscles.
• See a biokineticist.