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Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome, Sports Medicine

Kyle Meyer, DO and Rahul Kapur, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBS or ITBFS) is an overuse tendinopathy that occurs from compression of the iliotibial band (ITB) against the lateral femoral epicondyle.

  • Pain is ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Lateral knee sharp pain or burning

  • Pain is not present when the patient starts exercising but begins at a predictable time or distance within the workout.

  • Symptoms that subside shortly ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Initially, patient should rest and avoid offending activities, such as running and biking 3,5[C].

  • Control inflammation and pain with ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory dru...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

If no improvement is seen after extensive therapy and training modification, then referral to an orthopedic surgeon is warranted. 

REFERENCES

1
Fairclough J, Hayashi K, Toumi H, et al. The functional anatomy of the iliotibial band during flexion and extension of the knee: implications for understanding iliotibial band syndrome. J ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • An attempt to return too early with pain can result in significant delay. Activity can be resumed when symptoms have improved nearly 100% or have resolved. Earlier return can be accomp...

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