Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common injury that happens when the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue running along the outside of your thigh from your hip to your knee, gets irritated or swollen. This often occurs due to overuse, especially in activities like running, cycling, or other repetitive leg movements. ITBS is most likely to cause pain on the outer side of the knee, where the band rubs against the bone (Figure 1). It often affects athletes, particularly runners or people who suddenly increase their activity level, but it can also happen to anyone who does repetitive bending of the knee.
Diagnosing ITBS
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is usually diagnosed by a doctor based on your symptoms and a physical exam. If you have pain on the outside of your knee, especially when running or bending your knee, the doctor might press on the area to check for tenderness or swelling. They may also ask you to do certain movements to see if it triggers the pain. In most cases, no special tests are needed, but if the doctor wants to rule out other problems, they might order imaging tests like an MRI. Diagnosing ITBS is mostly about understanding your activities, the pain you feel, and how your knee reacts during movement.
Treatment of Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is usually treated by resting and avoiding activities that cause pain, like running or cycling. Applying ice to the outside of the knee can help reduce swelling and pain. Stretching and strengthening exercises for the iliotibial band, hip, and thigh muscles are also important to help the area heal and prevent the problem from coming back. Sometimes, a doctor or physical therapist might recommend foam rolling to massage the band or using special shoe inserts if the way you walk or run is part of the problem. In more severe cases, anti-inflammatory medications or injections may be used to reduce pain and swelling. Most people recover with these treatments if they give their body time to heal.
Edited by Amari Eubanks and Stephen Pinney MD July 5th 2025