Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
What is iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)?
ITBS is an overuse injury most often seen in long distance runners and cyclists. The iliotibial (IT) band is a long band of connective tissue. It runs along the outside of your thigh and connects your hip and knee joints. The IT band helps keep your knee stable while you stand, move, or exercise. The IT band becomes irritated and inflamed from repeated movement. This causes knee pain.
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What increases my risk for ITBS?
- Long distance running, cycling, or other repeated lower body exercises
- Weak or tight hip muscles
- Too much turning of your hip outward and knee inward when you exercise
- Differences in the length of your legs
What are the signs and symptoms of ITBS?
- Pain on the outside of your knee
- Swelling in or around your knee
- A clicking or popping sound or feeling
- Pain that may move up your thigh to your hip
How is ITBS diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your pain. Tell him or her about your exercise routine. Any of the following may be used to diagnose ITBS:
- Your provider may examine and test how strong and flexible your lower back, hip, and knee are. He or she may move your lower body in different ways to test for pain. He or she will look for swelling. You may be given a steroid injection. If you have ITBS, the steroid will relieve your pain and swelling.
- X-ray or MRI pictures may be used to check for IT band inflammation or tears. The pictures may also show other causes of your knee pain. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
How is ITBS treated?
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Steroid injections may be given to decrease swelling.
- Surgery is usually only recommended if other treatment does not work within 6 months. Many types of ITBS surgery are available. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about surgery, if needed.
What can I do to manage my symptoms?
- Rest your leg as directed. Return to your daily activities and exercise gradually. Do not do exercises that cause pain.
- Apply ice on your knee as directed. Ice decreases swelling and pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you put it on your skin. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
- Elevate your calf and foot above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your calf and foot on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Massage painful areas as directed. Use a foam roller to gently massage your painful areas. Place the foam roller on a flat surface. Lie on your side with the foam roller against your painful leg. Move so that it rolls up and down from your hip to above your knee. Do not lie with it against the outside of your kneecap.
- Stretch as directed. Stand and wrap your painful leg behind and to the side of your other leg. Reach your arm to the outside of the ankle of your painful leg. Hold for 15 seconds Return to the starting position. Do this 10 times. Repeat this exercise 3 to 5 times per day. Ask your healthcare provider or physical therapist for other ways to stretch.
- Go to physical therapy as directed. Your physical therapist will teach you how to do exercises that will strengthen your hip muscles and improve your flexibility.
How can I help prevent ITBS?
- Get new sports shoes regularly. Over time, the soles of your shoes can wear out in spots. Your shoes should always fit well and support your feet. Your knees should feel steady when you walk or run.
- Slowly increase the time and distance that you run or bike. Start with short runs or cycle rides.
- Run on flat surfaces only. Avoid uneven surfaces, hills, or stairs. These may cause pain and make your condition worse.
- Warm up before you stretch and exercise. This will help prevent an injury. Walk or ride a stationary bike for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Change the seat height or foot position of your bicycle. Ask your physical therapist for help. These changes can decrease the stress on your IT band.
- Use correct body position when you exercise. Ask your healthcare provider or physical therapist how to move your legs and feet when running or cycling. This may decrease the stress on your IT band.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a fever or chills.
- You have redness, warmth, or severe swelling in or around your knee.
- Your pain does not improve or gets worse after treatments.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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