1. Least Effective Exercises Slideshow
2. Dehydration Slideshow
3. First Aid Care and Pain Relief for Minor Injuries

Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Iliotibial band syndrome facts
• What is iliotibial band syndrome?
• What causes iliotibial band syndrome?
• What are iliotibial band syndrome symptoms and signs?
• How is iliotibial band syndrome diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for iliotibial band syndrome?
• What stretches and exercises are beneficial for iliotibial band syndrome?
• What exercises should be avoided with iliotibial band syndrome?
• What is the prognosis for iliotibial band syndrome? Can iliotibial band syndrome be prevented?
• Where can people find more information about iliotibial band syndrome?
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome Index

A. Hands are held on the waist, and the injured leg is crossed behind the good leg. B. The arm on the same side as the injured leg sweeps up and over as the hips are moved laterally toward the good side, allowing a lateral bend at the waist. There should be no twisting with this stretch and no need to touch the foot of the injured leg.

Most people want to return to their activity of choice as soon as possible, but rest is an important component of treatment. Running, cycling, squatting, and walking up or downhill can aggravate the iliotibial band and delay healing. It is important for the patient to listen to their body and try to appreciate what specific activity or range of motion causes the pain and try to avoid it if possible.

Most patients recover from iliotibial band syndrome, but it can take from weeks to months to return to full activity without pain. Patience is required for optimal results.

Understanding the importance of symmetry in the body is helpful in preventing iliotibial band syndrome. When activities alter that symmetry, symptoms may occur.

Symptoms can occur in runners who always run in the same direction on an indoor track or who always run on the same side of a banked road. This causes an artificial tilt to the pelvis and increases the risk of developing inflammation and pain. When running indoors, it is wise to change directions when running longer distances. Some tracks have the runners change directions every few minutes while others change direction on alternate days. While running toward traffic is an important safety strategy, finding a way to run on the opposite side of the street safely may minimize the risk of developing iliotibial band syndrome.

Bicyclists are at risk for iliotibial band syndrome if they tend to pedal with their toes turned in, which can cause abnormal stretching of the iliotibial band at the knee. Being aware of pedaling technique may minimize the risk of developing symptoms.

Keeping muscles and other structures stretched is an important part of prevention of many musculoskeletal injuries, including iliotibial band syndrome