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Treatment for Iliotibial Band Syndrome


Blog by Dr. Michael Horowitz | April 1st, 2017


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If you enjoy running or are active in sports, chances are you have heard of, or maybe even injured, your iliotibial band, or IT band. The IT band is a ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh at the hip (ilium) all the way to the shin bone (tibia). The IT band plays a crucial role in your ability to run, as it stabilizes the thigh bone and knee, and allows the lower leg to swing forward. IT band syndrome occurs when the ligament overdevelops, tightens, becomes inflamed, or rubs across the hip or outer knee bone. If you have IT band syndrome, you may experience pain on the outside of your knee or hip, a snapping pain in the hip, or pain that may disappear with stretching or rest. It is easy to confuse IT band pain with knee pain, because often times the pain is felt on the outside of the knee. What is the trick to telling the difference? Bend your knee at a 45 degree angle. If you feel pain on the outside part of the knee, you may have an IT band problem. So what can cause IT band syndrome? IT band syndrome can occur as a result from any activity that causes the leg to turn inward repeatedly, such as running in worn out shoes, running downhill, or simply from running too far. The good news is that with the use of chiropractic treatment, registered massage therapy, and even custom orthotic inserts IT band syndrome can be effectively treated. No surgery or drug therapy required.

In most cases IT band syndrome can be traced back to a problem with pelvic function. If this the case, a chiropractor can evaluate pelvic function, and make adjustments to bring the body back into alignment, ultimately making the pelvis more functional. If IT band symptoms are coming from tension or tightening of the ligament, massage therapy can help to release the tension in the surrounding muscle and fascia in order to stimulate blood flow. Have your questions about iliotibial band syndrome answered by giving us a call, or book an appointment online today!

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