Many runners are familiar with the popping sound in the knee that feels like stinging needles whenever their heel strikes the ground. With over 200,000 cases diagnosed in the US each year, 
Iliotibial Band Syndrome, or ITBS is a common overuse injury. Characterized by pain between the hip and knees on the outside of one or both legs, ITBS occurs when the ligament extending from the pelvis to the shin becomes so tight that it rubs against the femur, or thigh bone. Runners, cyclists, and weight lifters - people who frequently flex their knees and hips - will usually try to treat ITBS with rest, ice, stretching, or foam rolling, but these treatments do not address the underlying structural problem.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome, or ITBS is a common overuse injury. Characterized by pain between the hip and knees on the outside of one or both legs, ITBS occurs when the ligament extending from the pelvis to the shin becomes so tight that it rubs against the femur, or thigh bone. Runners, cyclists, and weight lifters - people who frequently flex their knees and hips - will usually try to treat ITBS with rest, ice, stretching, or foam rolling, but these treatments do not address the underlying structural problem.
The IT band stabilizes the outside of the knee as it flexes and extends. If one leg is longer than the other, the pelvis is tilted, or someone has bowed legs, the IT band can be extremely tight leading to inflammation and pain when the knee moves. Runners may also experience IT band problems when they always run on the same side of the road, or run too many hills.
While icing, rest and massage may be the part of an ITBS recovery process, physical therapy New Haven can result in a permanent, structural fix. Musculoskeletal ultrasound, prolotherapy, and stretching and strengthening exercises may be prescribed in order to address the underlying causes of ITBS. Through these modalities, the structure of the hip and knee are stabilized and ITBS is treated at the source of the problem. For those who have an anatomical problem, shoe orthotics may be useful to correct leg-length discrepancies or a person's stride.
Many athletes are looking for a quick fix to their IT band problems. While most physical therapy patients fully recover from ITBS, it may take weeks or months. In the meantime, a doctor or physical therapist can suggest alternative physical activities that will not create inflammation in the IT band. These may include swimming, yoga, or weight training that does not aggravate the IT band.
ITBS is a frustrating part of many people's athletic experience, but it does not need to be permanent. With proper physical therapy Connecticut citizens can correct their underlying issue and get back on the road or in the gym, pain free.
Walang komento:
Mag-post ng isang Komento