Treatment for Iliotibial Band Syndrome in Augusta GA

Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized care, with an emphasis on personalized treatments.

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS or IT band syndrome) is an overuse injury of the tissues located on the outer part of thigh and knee. It causes pain and tenderness in those areas, especially just above the knee joint. Iliotibial band syndrome is more common in runners and bicyclists.

The iliotibial band is the tendon attachment of hip muscles into the upper leg (tibia) just below the knee to the outer side of the front of the leg. Where the tendon passes the knee (lateral femoral condyle) there is a bursa sac between the bone and the tendon. This tendon moves over a bony bump at the outer knee as it passes in front and behind it. The bursa functions like a water balloon to reduce friction and wear of the tendon against the bony bump. In this condition, overuse causes excessive friction at this bump, resulting in inflammation and pain of the bursa (bursitis), tendon (tendinitis), or both.

How does ITB syndrome develop? The ITB glides back and forth over the lateral femoral condyle as the knee bends and straightens. Normally, this isn't a problem. But the bursa between the lateral femoral condyle and the ITB can become irritated and inflamed if the ITB starts to snap over the condyle with repeated knee motions such as those from walking, running, or biking. People often end up with ITB syndrome from overdoing their activity. They try to push themselves too far, too fast, and they end up running, walking, or biking more than their body can handle. The repeated strain causes the bursa on the side of the knee to become inflamed. Some experts believe that the problem happens when the knee bows outward. This can happen in runners if their shoes are worn on the outside edge, or if they run on slanted terrain. Others feel that certain foot abnormalities, such as foot pronation, cause ITB syndrome. (Pronation of the foot occurs when the arch flattens.)

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is most common in athletes who participate in long-distance running. Studies have indicated a 4.3-7.5% occurrence rate for ITBS in long-distance runners. ITBS is less common in shorter-distance or sprint-distance runners. The higher rate in long-distance runners is primarily because of the increased stance phase during longer-distance running. ITBS also has been reported in military recruits, cyclists, and tennis players. 

Natalie suffered from Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS, or otherwise known as IT Band Syndrome) before being treated by Dr. Mark Huntsman at Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic. Now since receiving customized treatments for her condition, Natalie can resume doing activities she used to love to do, such as running and biking.

When the knee flexes, the ITB moves posteriorly along the lateral femoral epicondyle. When the band is excessively tight or stressed, the ITB rubs against the epicondyle irritating the lateral synovial recess. Histologic analysis demonstrates inflammation and hyperplasia in the synovium.

Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic is here to serve you with customized chiropractic in Augusta GA. Come discover what other patients, athletes, medical doctors and the media have been raving about. You can schedule an appointment with our friendly staff by calling (706) 814.5053 or online at www.georgia-clinic.com.

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Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic
205 Old Blackstone Camp Rd
Augusta, GA 30907
(706) 814-5053
www.georgia-clinic.com