Iliotibial band syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome causes lateral knee pain from friction of the IT band, typically in runners and cyclists. Structured physiotherapy, foam rolling, biomechanical correction, and progressive return-to-activity prot
Quick answer
Iliotibial band syndrome causes lateral knee pain from friction of the IT band, typically in runners and cyclists. Structured physiotherapy, foam rolling, biomechanical correction, and progressive return-to-activity protocols are effective evidence-based approaches.
Do any of these feel familiar?
- Iliotibial band syndrome typically presents as a sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee, most reliably triggered by running — particularly descending hills or stairs — and easing with rest
- Many runners describe a very consistent pattern: the pain starts at a specific point during a run, often around the 10–20 minute mark, then becomes severe enough to force them to stop
- Tenderness directly over the outer knee is characteristic
- Between runs, many feel little discomfort, which can create a false sense that it has resolved — only to return promptly on the next attempt at exercise
What is Iliotibial band syndrome?
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