Iliotibial band syndrome

definition

ITBS is an abbreviation for the "Iliotibial band syndrome". Colloquially it is also called "Runner's knees"Or"Tractus syndrome" designated. This is a Tendinitis in the knee area. The tendon, which in the technical language "Iliotibial band“Means it plays a role in stabilizing the knee joint, straightening the leg and defending against displacement of the lower leg to the thigh.

The tendon belongs to a muscle whose abdomen lies in the area of ​​the upper thigh and buttocks. The muscle has its origin at the outer, palpable edge of the iliac crest. From there it pulls with its long, taut tendon to the outer edge of the tibia. When the muscle is tensed, the knee joint becomes erected outwards and prevents kinking inwards.

causes

The cause of the ITBS is one Inflammation of the tendon around the knee and slightly above the knee. The inflammation in the ITBS is triggered mechanically, i.e. by permanent physical irritation. To blame for this is a primarily one Bony prominence, the so-called "epicondyle", which when moving on the Iliotibial tendon presses. The Main cause, which is what gives the syndrome its name, is that to jog. The constant movement and weight bearing leads to permanent overloading of the tendon, which then becomes inflamed. Also the Cycling is not a rare trigger for the ITBS.

Besides the Overuse of the muscles Several factors play a role in the development of the inflammation. Lots anatomical peculiarities, incorrect loads and other influences can additionally increase the pressure on the tendon and promote inflammation. First and foremost, this includes anatomical misalignments of the legs, feet and hips. By Misaligned legs how Knock knees or bow legs the axis in the knee joint also shifts. A increased stress for the iliotibial tendon can follow from this. Also Misaligned feet can affect the axis in the leg. At Long distance running it can become permanent due to the misalignment of the feet improper load on the legs come. The hips also have a major impact on the tendon. When the hip bone tilts, the tendon is stretched and tightened, which increases the irritation to it.

Likewise, innate or acquired play anatomical events into the creation of the ITBS. Legs of different lengths represent an enormous burden for bony and muscular structures with permanent stress. Also shortened muscles and Tendons are a common problem that can arise from improper loading and which provokes and triggers the following improper loading. The ITBS also appears in athletes without any special anatomical features. At too rapid training build-up and too intense units the slight, permanent pressure stimulus can already lead to Pain syndrome to lead.

Symptoms

The crucial symptom of the ITBS is the sharp pain at the upper, outer edge of the knee. By the Inflammatory process symptoms arise like Redness, overheating, impaired function, swelling and pain. Often, however, only that is external pain perceptible. The pain can triggered by movement or be reinforced. First he jogged after a few kilometers on. As the inflammation progresses, so does the pain. In pronounced cases, every step through the stabbing pain can be unbearable.

The pain can also affect the entire course of the tendons and extend into the pubic bone in the pelvis. Going downhill also often exacerbates the pain, as it leads to increased tendon activity. In rare cases, a grinding noise can be heard from the outside when the knee is slowly bent.

• Knee Pain - What Do I Have?
• Inflammation in the knee
• Knee pain on the outside

Appointment with a knee specialist?

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)

The knee joint is one of the joints with the greatest stress.

Therefore, the treatment of the knee joint (e.g. meniscus tear, cartilage damage, cruciate ligament damage, runner's knee, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I treat a wide variety of knee diseases in a conservative way.
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You can find me in:

• Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
  Kaiserstrasse 14
  60311 Frankfurt am Main

Directly to the online appointment arrangement
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

diagnosis

The Diagnosis of the ITBS is by an experienced Orthopedists by survey and physical examination easy to put. For the specific anamnesis (questioning), above all previous ones are used sports important. Jogging or cycling are important from the anamnestical point of view. Also the development and the temporal course of complaints in Correlation with sports exercises provide clear indications. Also already healed previous complaints and previous tendinitis make ITBS more likely.

The first step in the physical exam is one external inspection. Under certain circumstances Redness detect. The affected area above the knee can also overheated and swollen be. Diagnostically, however, is crucial Tension pain on outer upper knee. Individual movements can also be carried out. Lead them to that typical pain, the diagnosis is close.

Before the final diagnosis must be made Differential diagnoses to be clarified. Especially in the knee area Inflammation and injury-related pain occur. With certain manipulations by the orthopedic surgeon, the Movability of the lower leg and the Rotations be tested in the knee. This allows Meniscus and cruciate ligament problems exclude.

treatment

The aim of treatment is that Heal inflammation in the tendon allow. For this it is unfortunately inevitable that the sport activity first adjust. Otherwise, the pain will steadily worsen and never completely heal. Inflammation can Heal body itselfas long as the stimulus that caused it does not appear. In the Acute situation and in long-term therapy it must affected leg spared become. With acute complaints you can Cooling and elevated storage further relieve the pain.

Also anti-inflammatory drugs can they Accelerate healing. In the case of slight complaints, you should first local funds used to avoid unnecessary stress on the body. Anoint, the "DiclofenacAre often used for this purpose. This is a Pain medication the group of NSAIDs. It also has a anti-inflammatory effect.

At sufficient time is a The inflammation heals probably. Then have to preventive measures come first. At immediate resumption jogging will make the pain more likely occur again.

Eventual Misalignments and Incorrect loads in the sequence of movements corrected are through physical and exercise therapy. One important measure can be taken from regular stretching exercises consist. Also adapted running shoes and insoles can correct many misalignments. If these measures are out of the question, in the long term the only option is to change the sport.

Duration

The Duration varies strong with that Progress of inflammation. Are often affected inexperienced athleteswho have only recently started a new and intensely practiced sport. After a few long training sessions, the pain develops. Becomes immediately rest Adhered to and given time to the inflammation can reduce the pain within a few days to weeks disappear. The longer the pain is ignored, the more severe and common it becomes. At a severe inflammationthat can already be felt at rest or with slight movement, the healing accordingly takes longer. In these cases, up to 8 weeks rest be necessary. Even after that should only slowly increased the load again become.

stretching

stretching are a good therapy for an ITBS Prevention of pain. Even if the pain has started, stretching exercises can stop the inflammation from progressing. To target the Outside of the thigh the following exercises are possible to stretch:

Imagine in straight stance laterally next to a wall. If now the Legs crossed fix the lower leg behind the other leg. Subsequently to press and lean them in Towards the walluntil it is Drawing in the outer thigh comes. This becomes the entire muscle stretched and also the Tendon on knee relieved.

An equally useful one second exercise find in Sitting on the floor instead of. Here is one leg stretched outwhile that others angled is and over the adjacent thigh crosses. Then you can put your crossed leg into the with your hands or your upper body opposite direction pressed will be up again Drawing in the outer thigh occurs.

• stretch
• Exercises for knee school

Outer knee pain when jogging

The to jog is the most common triggers of the ITBS. Through the permanent flexion and extension in the knee is a frequent stimulus given on the tendon. Especially with Long distance runners, especially frequent and especially intense running exercises the ITBS will likely. If the complaints occur, it should Running stopped immediately otherwise it will only get worse. At more frequent complaints must necessarily have an llonger break from running thought to give the inflammation time to heal.

• Knee pain on the outside
• Running disorders

Taping

Taping is one modern orthopedic therapywhich can also be used at ITBS. It will be used both for Acute therapy, as well as for Prevention used. It is a sturdy adhesive tapethat is stuck very tightly to the skin. It has to be there over the knee joint be glued by a experienced person. It should warm the covered area on the one hand, but on the other hand one mechanical support of the joint and Relief of the muscle deliver. In addition, it increases the Self-awareness of one's own movement and can Blood circulation in the area of ​​the muscle improve. Since the Controversial effect is, it should be in the acute phase the disease not as the only one treatment are used.

Read more about this at:

• Taping the knee
• Kinesio tape

Blackroll

The Blackroll is a Foam roll, the the Self massage serves. The principle behind it is Muscle fascia in the upper body too loosen and Tension, sore muscles, blockages and other orthopedic problems to prevent and to treat them. She provides one alternative for professional physiotherapy and can be carried out independently.

First should be the exercises under professional guidance be carried out to Not certain structures and fascia to irritate and stress incorrectly. The Blackroll can then also be used at ITBS and prevents further complaints. They should not be the only therapy for acute pain.

• Blackroll
• Fascia training