Iliotibial band syndrome

Updated: 2023-09-06

Description

A painful knee condition that can happen with sports, most often from running distances.

Overview

Iliotibial band syndrome involves a tendon that runs from the outside of the hip to the outside of the knee. It's common in runners as well as people in the military and cyclists. But other sports can bring on the condition too. Hip muscle weakness and overtraining are causes.

Symptoms

The main symptom is sharp or burning pain that happens during the sport or activity. The pain most often is on the outside of the knee, but it also can be on the outer hip or outer thigh. Over time, the pain can get worse, most often with longer distance running.

Treatments

Rest from activity that causes the pain, ice and pain medicines available without a prescription can be helpful. Physical therapy can correct hip muscle weakness that might be part of the problem. Sometimes, corticosteroid shots are used.