Background
Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome (ITBS) is the most common cause of lateral knee pain among athletes.
ITBS develops as a result of inflammation of the bursa surrounding the ITB and usually affects athletes who are involved in sports that require continuous running or repetitive knee flexion and extension.
This condition is, therefore, most common in long-distance runners and cyclists. ITBS may also be observed in athletes who participate in volleyball, tennis, soccer, football, skiing, weight lifting, and aerobics.
The image below illustrates active stretching of the ITB.
This illustration demonstrates active stretching of the iliotibial band (ITB). The athlete stands a comfortable distance from a wall and, with the contralateral knee extended, leans the proximal shoulder against the wall to stretch the ipsilateral ITB.
See Football Injuries: Slideshow, a Critical Images slideshow, to help diagnose and treat injuries from a football game that can result in minor to severe complications.
For patient education resources, see the Osteoporosis Center. Also, see patient education articles Knee Pain, Knee Injury, Tendinitis, and Running.
See also Medscape Drugs & Diseases articles Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Iliotibial Band Syndrome.
See also the Medscape CME & Education topic Medical Interventions Effectively Treat Overuse Injuries in Adult Endurance Athletes.