SQUEAKY KNEES?

Chiropractic Treatment of IT Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most common causes of knee pain and is more frequent in runners than any other group of individuals. Though there are many potential causes of ITBS, it is often the result of poor biomechanical function caused by misalignment of the sacroiliac joints and subluxation of the lumbar spine. Without proper treatment, ITBS can lead to unbearable knee pain.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Pain over the lateral aspect of the knee/hip/IT band, that is stinging in nature during activity, and reduces to a throbbing sensation with rest (pain on the outside of the knee is the most common symptom). There is often a popping/clicking/rubbing sound during exercise as well.                                                               

THE ILIOTIBIAL BAND

The Iliotibial band (Figure 1) is a very tough longitudinal tract of fascia with a broad origination at the hip, and narrow attachment at the tibia. The IT band provides lateral stability to the hip and knee. Due to the fact that the IT band crosses both the hip and knee joints, it can become irritated due to numerous different biomechanical restrictions of the spine and/or sacroiliac joints.

Figure 1

CAUSE OF ILIOTIBIAL BAND SYNDROME

ITBS is an overuse injury that is caused by irritation of the IT band as it rubs on the lateral condyle of the femur during walking, running, cycling, climbing stairs and any other activity involving repeated flexion/extension of the knee. When the hips become misaligned (Figure 2), tension on the IT band is increased. This leads to more friction between the femoral condyle and the IT band. If the biomechanical dysfunction in the sacroiliac joints is left unattended, the friction created in this pathobiomechanical position will cause constant irritation of the IT band. The resulting pain can be debilitating and very difficult to treat without first correcting the spinal subluxation, which is the root cause of the biomechanical dysfunction in many cases. Spinal subluxation will also lead to improper nerve flow to and from the muscles and proprioceptors within the articulations in the spine, hip and leg. Consequently, irritation of the IT band progresses; leading to compensation and development of a myriad of seemingly erroneous symptoms.

Figure 2

WHAT TO DO

A thorough evaluation is needed to fully understand the cause of each individual case of iliotibial band syndrome. Chiropractic treatment to eliminate pelvic imbalance and spinal subluxation is the first step in treating and more importantly PREVENTING iliotibial band syndrome. Spinal manipulative therapy will also help to restore proper nerve flow and therefore, prevent tissue death. Research has shown that chiropractic manipulation can increase muscle activation (torque) and decrease muscle inhibition. This chiropractic treatment is key in restoring neurological function and facilitating  proper muscle recruitment patterns.

Other effective treatments for ITBS include:

Graston®

Cold Laser

Neuromuscular Re-education

Core strengthening

Kinesio Taping

Home care solutions and supplemental support for ITBS to follow next week. . .