IT band syndrome is an irritation or inflammation of the tissue at the knee or hip. Often people are likely to experience symptoms toward the knee vs the hip. The symptoms people report tend most often include a sharp pulling sensation of the outer knee or a dull nagging ache. Frequently symptoms will appear when walking down steps or downhill, standing after a period of sitting and walking/running.

When people experience these symptoms common self-treatment includes icing, stretching, and avoiding activities. After several weeks of unsuccessful treatment people tend to find their way to some physician. The new treatment plan often includes medication, continued stretching, and avoiding activities. By this point though people tend to become frustrated.

So what can be done to solve this problem?

A thorough physical examination by a muscle and joint expert is the #1 recommendation. Following the examination, a better understanding of the root cause of the IT band syndrome will come into play. As the knee’s primary function is to bend and straighten, often the source of the problem is the hip or the foot.

The hip or foot you say? Yes.

Weakness at the hip can result in altered mechanics at the knee. This results in increased strain or pulling on the outer knee structures including the IT band. The foot can also be involved in the equation. Excessive foot pronation can result in excess torque at the knee which results in pain. Thus addressing strength and mobility at the hip or foot is more likely to lead to a better outcome than trying to “stretch” the IT band…because the IT band does not actually stretch.

How do I know whether to do exercises for the foot or hip? Well…this is where the muscle and joint expert comes into play. This professional will be able to best determine when most appropriate treatment plan to resolve this issue.

Tired of dealing with outer knee pain that you think is IT band syndrome? Then click the following LINK to connect with an expert today who will begin to solve your problem.