IT band syndrome treatment is available from the orthopaedic specialists at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group. Our clinic welcomes patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and other nearby Florida communities. At Tampa Orthopaedic, we emphasize patient education, and we firmly believe in fostering an open, professional environment in which our patients can feel free to ask questions and learn more about their conditions. This way, our patients are better prepared to make informed decisions about their care and implement strategies to prevent future injuries.
IT band syndrome, which is short for iliotibial band syndrome, is an overuse injury that is sometimes experienced by runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, especially in the Tampa, FL, area, where the year-round warm temperatures invite outdoor exercise and might tempt an athlete to over train. The condition can also occur when an issue like a back or joint problem alters a person’s gait. The resulting inflammation can affect the fibrous band of connective tissue that spans from the hip to the shin. Classic symptoms include sharp pain felt in the outer knee, along with a “clicking” sensation that occurs after a patient runs a mile or two. Early diagnosis and treatment are important, because this type of knee injury is usually progressive and can advance to the point of debilitation.
Treatment for IT band syndrome typically involves several stages:
- Stage 1 – Centers around the proper diagnosis of the root cause of iliotibial band syndrome. While the condition is usually approached as an overuse injury, there might be other factors at work, such as tight or weak hip muscles, improper footwear, over pronation, or poor form during exercise, which must be addressed to ensure the most effective treatment.
- Stage 2 – Involves pain reduction through a regimen of rest, icing, massage, stretching, physical therapy, and cross training that does not aggravate the condition.
- Stage 3 – Focuses on strengthening the hip and thigh muscles, which can be accomplished through treatments like targeted physical therapy and deep tissue massage.
If the pain persists, other treatment options like cortisone injections and platelet rich plasma therapy might be helpful. Surgery is considered a last resort, but should it become necessary, our Board-certified surgeon, Dr. Daniel Murphy, can discuss inpatient and outpatient knee procedures to treat IT band syndrome.
The orthopaedic specialists at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group provide effective treatments to help our patients get back on track. If you’re near Tampa, Clearwater, or St. Petersburg, FL, and are concerned about IT band syndrome, please contact us today.
