What is Iliotibial Band (IT Band) Syndrome?
The IT band is the iliotibial band, which is a thick band of fascia that starts up by the hip and travels down the outside of the leg and attaches along the outer side of the knee by the kneecap. The term IT band syndrome refers to the IT band getting tight and irritated resulting in pain along the outside of the thigh, the outer knee where it attaches or even up higher close to the glute and hips.
What Does IT Band Syndrome Feel Like?
When the It band and the surrounding muscle tissue that attach into it get tight and irritated, it can result in clicking or popping at the hip or even on the outside of the knee. Usually it is sore and painful in these areas and gets irritated with running or squatting.
How Can a Chiropractor Help with IT Band Syndrome?
Soft tissue work and specific rehabilitation exercises are helpful to reduce these symptoms. Dry needling can be very effective in the area to reduce symptoms more quickly. Chiropractic manipulation around the pelvis, hip and knee can be beneficial as well.