| If you are a middle or long distance runner, and you | | | | is usually characteristic of ITBFS. Clinically, it is |
| experience repetitive pain over the outer aspect of | | | | diagnosed using the Ober’s test. |
| the knee or the thigh during training, you probably | | | | Rest and reduction in training intensity are the |
| are suffering from the ‘iliotibial tract | | | | hallmark of treatment of runner’s knee. |
| syndrome’. It is supposedly caused by the | | | | However, pain can re-emerge on resumption of |
| repetitive friction of the iliotibial tract (a fibrous band | | | | training. Usually pain killers suffice in milder cases. |
| that runs from the hip over the outer side of the | | | | Others may require massage to the iliotibial band. |
| knee and inserts just below the knee) over the | | | | Presence of inflammation over the iliotibial tract (pain, |
| lower end of the thigh bone during running. In medical | | | | warmth, and swelling) may require steroid injections. |
| terms this is known as the ‘iliotibial band friction | | | | Proper warm up and stretching of the iliotibial tract is |
| syndrome’ or ‘ITBFS’. | | | | recommended. Changing the course is also helpful in a |
| Usual causes are excessive training, sudden increase | | | | number of cases. A measure as simple as turning to |
| in training intensity, downhill courses, cambered | | | | the left when you go for a run in the park, if you |
| courses, abnormal biomechanics, i.e., discrepancy in leg | | | | have been going to the right, will make a lot of |
| length or pronation of the foot and inflammation of | | | | difference. Analysis of biomechanics of running and |
| the lower part of the iliotibial band (iliotibial bursitis). | | | | correction of errors, if any, may also be undertaken |
| Pain which stops immediately when you stop running | | | | in severe cases. |