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What Is Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

By Madhusudhan Tammisetti

The iliotibial band, or in short ITB, is the fascia's thick band that extends from the pelvic bone to the knee's lower side on the shinbone on the outside of the thigh. A bursa is a sac filled with water that exists where the ITB runs through the knee. The bursa acts as a water balloon, reducing wear and friction on the ITB when it rubs against the outer knee's bony hump. When the ITB rubs on the bone, it gets swollen and inflamed, resulting in iliotibial band syndrome.

During running, when the heel is on the ground, the ITB's main role is to regulate and slow the thigh adduction. The ITB is linked to knee pain, but it may also play a role in the progression of certain types of trochanteric bursitis and snapping hip.

Overuse injuries, such as iliotibial band syndrome, are particularly prevalent among long-distance runners who engage in activities that demand a lot of bending of the knee. Skiers, cyclists, tennis players, weightlifters, and soccer players are also susceptible to the disease.

A chiropractor may advise you to rest until the pain subsides. They may also suggest some stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent ITB.

Walking Fast May Help

Walk a half-mile before you start jogging, bicycling, or any other knee-bending activity. This may help you warm up the whole body, particularly the legs, in preparation for more intense activity. This is the best tip for beginners who just started running and for anybody suffering from ITB pain.

Take Rest

When you have ITB, one of the simplest things to do is relax. When the painful activity is avoided, the situation usually improves. If you have pain on the outer surface of the knee, you may have to stop exercising for a couple of days and reduce the mileage or workout duration when you start again.

Resting helps prevent pain from recurring in most of the runners. ITB may become chronic if you don't take a break from exercising.

Applying Heat and Cold

One of the suggestions a chiropractor may give to a person with ITB is the application of cold and heat therapy. Cold and heat self-care may aid in the healing of the iliotibial band. Warm up the sore region with a heating pad before engaging in physical exercise. Then, after the exercise, apply ice to reduce the likelihood of discomfort. Every couple of hours, use ice on the sore region for about 15 minutes. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin.

Physical Therapy

ITB is often treated with physical therapy. Physical therapy aims to improve the strength and flexibility of some inherent factors that contribute to the condition. It's critical to stretch the ITB, quadriceps, and hamstrings. It's also crucial to strengthen the hip abductors.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.

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