IT Band Syndrome

At Masterton Foot Clinic, we focus on identifying why the tissues on the outside of the knee are becoming overloaded and helping you return to activity while reducing the risk of recurrence.

What is IT Band Syndrome?

The iliotibial band (IT band) is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the outside of the hip to just below the knee.

IT Band Syndrome occurs when the tissues around the lower part of the IT band become overloaded, resulting in pain on the outside of the knee.

Although the condition was once thought to be caused primarily by friction, current evidence suggests that excessive compression and loading of the tissues beneath the IT band are likely to play a more important role.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Pain on the outside of the knee
• Pain that develops during running or cycling
• Symptoms that worsen with increasing distance or activity
• Pain when walking downhill or descending stairs
• Tenderness over the outside of the knee
• Reduced ability to run or participate in sports

Causes

IT Band Syndrome usually develops when the tissues around the outside of the knee are repeatedly loaded beyond their capacity to recover.

Common contributing factors include:

• Sudden increases in training volume or intensity
• Running downhill
• Cambered running surfaces
• Cycling biomechanics
• Reduced hip and gluteal strength
• Foot and lower-limb biomechanics
• Limited ankle mobility
• Inappropriate footwear
• Inadequate recovery

Your feet and lower limbs function as a single, integrated system. Almost every muscle in your lower leg attaches to the foot, while the muscles around your hip, knee, and ankle work together to control movement.

Changes in foot mechanics, ankle mobility, muscle strength, or walking and running patterns can affect the loads transmitted through the outer aspect of the knee.

Rather than simply treating where it hurts, we assess the entire lower limb to identify why the tissues have become overloaded and develop a treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause.

When to see a podiatrist

We recommend an assessment if:

• Pain is limiting your running or cycling
• Symptoms return whenever you increase your training
• Pain is affecting work or everyday activities
• Symptoms are becoming progressively worse
• Rest alone does not solve the problem

Early assessment often allows contributing factors to be identified before the condition becomes persistent.

As ACC-registered practitioners, we can also assess your injury and lodge an ACC claim where appropriate.

How we treat IT Band Syndrome

At Masterton Foot Clinic, our Proven Process combines current evidence with extensive clinical experience.

Rather than simply treating the painful area, we identify the factors contributing to excessive loading and develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals and activity levels.

Depending on your presentation, treatment may include:

• Running and movement assessment
• Activity and load management
• Strength and rehabilitation programmes
• Custom Foot Orthoses where appropriate
• Footwear assessment and advice
• Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT)
• Hip and lower-limb strengthening programmes
• Return-to-running planning

Our goal is to reduce pain, improve tissue capacity, and help you return to running, work, and sport while reducing the risk of recurrence.