IT band is the continuation of the tensor fascia lata and inserts on the tibia at Gerdy's tubercle
Common cause of lateral knee pain seen in Primary care/Sports med clinics
Mechanism: May be due to excessive friction between the IT band and the lateral femoral condyle
Second most common overuse injury of the knee (PF syndrome). Not an acute event.
Affects up to15% of active individuals
Impingement zone is at 30 degrees of knee flexion
Most common in runners and cyclists
Pain localized over the lateral femoral condyle. Better w/ rest. Often occurs at a predictable distance into the run and not at onset.
Exacerbated with changes to mileage or running terrain.
Additional risks include poor shoes (best to change every 300 to 500 miles), excessive foot pronation (pes planus), quad versus hamstring strength asymmetry, weak hip ABductors, leg length discrepancy, tight IT band.
