IT Band Syndrome
If you’re experiencing severe discomfort on the outside of your knee that is inhibiting you from your regular running routine, you might be suffering from iliotibial (IT) band syndrome. At Vitality Health & Aesthetics, Dr. Behar utilizes the innovative technology of shockwave therapy to treat the symptoms associated with IT Band Syndrome.
Schedule an appointment today for a diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan by calling the practice or using the online booking tool.
What is IT Band Syndrome?
The iliotibial (IT) band is a group of connective tissues that run from your hip down to your shin along the outside of your thigh, supporting your knee joint. When your IT band is strained or overused, pain shows up in your knee that can cause you to mistakenly assume you have a knee injury.
What causes IT band syndrome?
IT band syndrome is caused by overusing the iliotibial band of tissues in your body during physical activity. It’s brought on by repetitive knee flexion or extension movements.
Types of exercise that contribute to IT band syndrome include:
- Running
- Climbing
- Swimming
- Cycling
When an injury happens to this band of tissues, the tendon tightens, which can cause it to rub against the outer part of your knee. As the tendon rubs against that area, your knee can swell and have pain.
Your pain typically starts out mild, but intensifies if you continue your physical activity and leave your pain untreated.
What are the symptoms of IT band syndrome?
Symptoms of IT band syndrome vary between each person. Symptoms include:
- Pain when performing physical activity, such as running
- Ongoing pain after exercising
- Popping where the band rubs the knee
- Tenderness in your buttocks
- Redness around the knee
- Warmth in and around your knee
Signs of IT band syndrome usually begin to appear shortly after physical activity.
How is IT band syndrome treated?
At Vitality Health & Aesthetics, we utilize the innovative technology of shockwave therapy to promote self healing to the inflamed area. At Vitality Health & Aesthetics, we believe we should treat the root of the problem and not the side effects. Shockwave therapy is clinically proven to increase blood flow and
reduce pain. This therapy is non-invasive, non-surgical and eliminates the need for the use of anti inflammatory medications.
For treatment, you lie on your side with a small pillow between your knees. Your provider moves the shockwave device slowly along your damaged IT band in small circular movements to promote the repair of the tendon and tissues.
Other common treatments include:
- Refraining from physical activity
- Stretching exercises
- Applying ice
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Deep tissue massage
Talk to the team at Vitality Health & Aesthetics about the right treatment for you. Several treatments might be recommended to help your healing progress faster.
If you need relief for IT band syndrome, call Vitality Health & Aesthetics to book an appointment or use the online booking tool today.
