ITBFS what???
I.T.B.F.S – sounds like a ‘naughty’ word doesn’t it? But Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
(ITBFS) is an inflammatory condition where the iliotibial band (ITB) rubs on the bony prominence at the lateral knee when the joint is 25 – 30 degrees flexed, referred to as the ‘impingement zone’. This corresponds to when the foot strikes the ground and the early stance phase of the running cycle. During this impingement period in the running cycle, eccentric contraction of the tensor fascia latae (TFL) muscle and the gluteus maximus causes the leg to decelerate, generating tension (compression) in the ITB. ITBFS is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners.
The ITB is a thick band of fascia, composed of dense fibrous connective tissue that appears from the TFL and gluteus maximus. A collection if inflammatory fluid can result near the distal portion of the ITB on the tibia. The pain from ITBFS often starts with inflammation and this takes time to build up, so a lot of people only start to feel the pain after a run.
The pain associated with this can be severe. You just have to chat about our very own Kathleen to get her recount on pushing through 100kms whilst suffering from ITBFS and then the road to recovery.
Marathon and other longer distance runners are especially prone. Downhill running or running on a sloped surface, something as small a slope as the camber of the road can also increase the risk, This is because one leg is constantly placed lower than the other, creating a stress response at the attachment.
So what will you feel if you have ITBFS? Exquisite tenderness at the lateral aspect of the knee.
And what are some of the factors that may have contributed to ITBFS?
Rapid increase in training volume
Change in training surface
Adverse biomechanical factors, such as excessive pronation, resulting in tibial inward rotation and ITB tightening
Pelvic imbalance
Excessively tight ITB
Treatment through a qualified Physiotherapist with understanding of the demands of running is usually successful. Occasionally a corticosteroid injection via a Sport & Exercise Physician is required to assist in settling the pain. Luckily all our Physiotherapists have skills in treating the novice to experienced runner.
Get in contact by calling 9873 2700 or book online today https://bookings.nookal.com/bookings/location/39XKS !