Iliotibial Band Tendinopathy

Iliotibial band (IT band) tendinopathy is a common overuse injury that affects the thick band of connective tissue running along the outer side of your thigh. The IT band extends from the hip to just below the knee, helping stabilize the knee joint during movement. When the IT band becomes irritated or inflamed due to repetitive friction or strain, it can lead to pain and discomfort, particularly around the outer knee.This condition, often referred to as IT band syndrome, is common among runners, cyclists, and athletes involved in repetitive leg movements, but it can also affect non-athletes due to improper biomechanics or muscle imbalances.The symptoms may include the following:Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee, especially during or after physical activity.Tenderness or swelling near the knee.A feeling of tightness along the outer thigh.Pain that worsens with repetitive activities like running, cycling, or going up and down stairs.Several factors can contribute to IT band tendinopathy, including:Overuse: Repeated bending and straightening of the knee during activities like running or cycling.Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or tightness in the hip, glute, or thigh muscles.Poor Biomechanics: Misalignment in the hips, knees, or feet.Improper Training: Rapid increases in activity level, poor footwear, or lack of stretching.IT band tendinopathy can greatly affect the quality of life of patients as they are often unable to fully participate in sports, exercise, and other daily activities. While this can be a cause of distress, the prognosis for IT band tendinopathy is generally good with sustained and regular care. Most patients report a noticeable improvement within a couple weeks after starting treatment, and many are able to resume some limited form of their former routine within a month.Treatment Case 1: 42-year-old womanThis patient is a massage therapist who is an avid hiker, cyclist, and all round athlete on her own time. On one rainy day, she was riding her bike when she hit a patch of slippery ground. Her bike slid across uncontrollably, and she attempted to stop it by bending her knees forcefully to the ground. While she did not fall or get injured, she reported pain in her knees and thighs afterward. There was excruciating pain when trying to get up from sitting, or when using her foot to push anything, such as when she was cycling. The patient’s IT band as well as the thigh muscles in the front were treated via the IMEAST (Intramuscular Electroacupuncture Stimulation Treatment) protocol for a total of 7 sessions over a month. After the first session, the patient reported that the intensity of pain went down to a 5.5 from a 7. Continuing biweekly sessions further decreased the pain to a 2 overall. The patient still felt some discomfort after resuming her mountain biking, but could recover with self-care that was prescribed to her.