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Treatment of Runner's Knee and IT Band Syndrome
Runner’s Knee, a form of IT Band Syndrome, is one of the most common causes of knee pain with running. IT band syndrome can also lead to pain in other areas including hip pain, hip bursitis and snapping hip.
Runner's Knee is caused by the IT Band rubbing over the outside of the knee, and can lead to chronic knee pain with running if left untreated. Runner's Knee is a common injury in runners, cyclists, weight lifters and hikers because of the repetitive nature of these activities.
IT band syndrome can be effectively treated with Active Release Technique® and often resolves very quickly.
What is Runner's Knee? How is the IT Band Related to Runner's Knee?
The iliotibial (IT) band is a thick tendon that runs down the outside of the leg from the hip to the knee, and helps provide stability to the outside of the knee joint. IT band syndrome occurs when this band of tendon rubs against the outside of the knee resulting in inflammation and pain, a condition called Runner’s Knee. Although pain is usually worse along the outside of the knee, it can be felt anywhere along the outside of the leg between the hip (see hip pain) and knee. In some cases the IT band can rub over the outside of the hip leading to a painful condition called hip bursitis.
What Causes Runner's Knee and IT Band Syndrome?
The most common cause of IT band syndrome is a lack of strength and flexibility of the muscles of the hip. This results in friction between the IT band and the outside of the knee joint, which causes pain and inflammation with continued use. If not treated, IT band syndrome can become painful enough to limit running and cause significant problems. Other factors contributing to IT band syndrome are over-training, running on hills or uneven surfaces, and over-pronation (foot problems).
What Are The Symptoms of Runner's Knee and IT Band Syndrome?
IT band syndrome causes persistent pain over the outside of the knee, which is often worse during the first part of a run. Running downhill and going downstairs can be especially painful. As activity continues, pain may radiate below the knee or up toward the hip and buttock. Pain will often diminish or disappear once activity stops. If IT band syndrome becomes chronic, any activity that requires bending of the knee can become quite painful. IT band syndrome can also cause pain on the outside of the hip, and may contribute to hip bursitis or snapping hip.
Active Release Technique for Runner's Knee and IT Band Syndrome
Active Release Technique® is very effective for treating the underlying cause of IT band syndrome. Active Release Technique® can quickly break up scar tissue and adhesions in the hip and gluteal muscles, stretch out IT band, and increase blood flow to the injured area. Inflammation and pain often resolve this in a short period of time, often with dramatic results and a quick return to activity. Custom foot orthotics, proper stretching, strength training and a change in running surface can help improve running mechanics and lessen the chance of re-injury.
Treatment of Runner's Knee and IT Band Syndrome in Bellevue, WA
If you’re interested in learning about how Chiropractic and Active Release Technique® can help eliminate your Runner's Knee and IT band syndrome, please consider scheduling a consultation with Bellevue Chiropractor Dr. Keith McGahey. His Chiropractic clinic, Eastside Chiropractic Group, is located in downtown Bellevue near Overlake Hospital. Open Saturdays, same day appointments are available, and consultations are ALWAYS FREE! Call: (425) 455-2711.