ITB Syndrome

Iliotibial band (ITB) friction syndrome is an overuse injury whereby there is friction between the band and the underlying lateral epicondyle of the femur (thigh bone).

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Additional Information

Home Treatments

Ice to settle inflammation
Anti-inflammatories (consult GP prior) may be useful in settling pain and inflammation
Foam rolling the ITB (mixed evidence) and self-release (e.g. spikey ball / foam roll) through muscles that insert into the ITB (such as gluteal muscles and TFL muscle)

Professional Medical Treatment

Soft tissue management through deep tissue massage or dry needling (especially of the muscles that insert into the ITB and therefore increase ITB tension)
Electrotherapy (e.g. shockwave) may provide benefits
Exercise program to normalise lower limb mechanics (with focus on the hip) to offload overload through ITB
Corticosteroid injection is an option and may provide much pain relief short-term. Long-term benefits are debated. The theory is that injections may play a temporary role in pain and symptom relief as a window and opportunity to strengthen. Caution should be taken and informed consent provided about side effects (including tendon breakdown)
Surgery in extremely rare cases

Physical Therapy Exercises

Stretching exercises and release exercises for muscles that insert into the ITB. These primarily include the gluteals and tensor fascia latae (both muscles around the hip region)
Some believe foam rolling of the ITB may benefit. This method is debated widely with varied evidence
Exercises to normalise lower limb mechanics. Generally, exercise programs will focus on strengthening of hip stabilisers
Strengthening hamstrings and quadriceps muscle groups
Exercises to improve running technique and landing (involving proprioception exercises)
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