What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)?-Causes and Symptoms.

Knee pain can interfere with everyday activities and make even simple movements uncomfortable. If you’ve experienced pain on the outside of your knee, especially after running or walking for long periods, you may be dealing with a condition called Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS). This condition is one of the most common overuse injuries among runners and active individuals.

At Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we understand how frustrating it can be when pain slows you down—especially when you’re doing your best to stay healthy. This guide explains what ITBS is, what causes it, and how to recognize its symptoms, so you can take the next step toward feeling better.

What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)?

The iliotibial band (IT band) is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of your thigh—from your hip to just below your knee. It helps stabilize the knee and supports smooth movement during activities like running, walking, and cycling.

In ITBS, this band becomes tight or inflamed and starts to rub against the outer part of the knee joint. This friction leads to irritation, pain, and inflammation. While ITBS is not typically dangerous, it can be very uncomfortable and limiting if not treated early.

Common Causes of ITBS

Iliotibial Band Syndrome is often linked to overuse or repetitive movement, particularly in sports that involve frequent knee bending. But it’s not just athletes who are at risk—anyone can develop ITBS due to certain physical habits or body mechanics.

Here are some of the most common causes:

Overtraining or sudden increase in activity level (e.g., running long distances without proper buildup)
Running or walking on uneven surfaces
Weak hip or glute muscles, which fail to support proper movement
Tight IT band or surrounding muscles, especially the hip flexors and quadriceps
Improper footwear or poor alignment of the legs and feet
Leg length differences or structural abnormalities in the hips or knees

At DRHC Dubai, we take a full-body approach to understanding what may be causing your ITBS—not just treating the pain, but identifying the root cause to help prevent it from coming back.

Recognizing the Symptoms of ITBS

ITBS symptoms typically develop gradually and can become more noticeable during or after certain activities. The hallmark symptom is pain on the outside of the knee, but it may be accompanied by other signs.

Common symptoms include:

Sharp or burning pain on the outer part of the knee, especially during movement
Pain that worsens with running, especially downhill
Tenderness or tightness on the outside of the thigh
Swelling or a clicking sensation at the outside of the knee
Discomfort that improves with rest, but returns with activity

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, it’s best to seek medical evaluation. Early diagnosis can lead to faster recovery and reduce the risk of further injury.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is ITBS a serious condition?
A1: ITBS is not life-threatening or dangerous, but it can significantly affect your quality of life if left untreated. Early treatment usually leads to excellent recovery without long-term problems.

Q2: How is ITBS diagnosed?
A2: Diagnosis is typically based on your medical history, symptoms, and physical examination. At DRHC Dubai, we may use imaging such as MRI to rule out other causes of knee pain if necessary.

Q3: Can ITBS heal on its own?
A3: Mild cases may improve with rest, stretching, and activity modification. However, persistent ITBS usually benefits from guided physiotherapy and a structured recovery plan.

Q4: What treatments are available at DRHC Dubai?
A4: Our multidisciplinary team offers conservative treatments including physical therapy, stretching programs, manual therapy, dry needling, and guidance on proper footwear or orthotics. Severe or chronic cases may require corticosteroid injections or other interventions.

Q5: How long does it take to recover from ITBS?
A5: Recovery time varies depending on severity and how soon treatment begins. Most patients begin to see improvement within a few weeks with the right care plan.

Q6: Can I continue exercising if I have ITBS?
A6: Continuing high-impact activities may worsen the condition. We usually recommend a temporary break from aggravating exercises while guiding you through safe alternatives to stay active during recovery.

When to See a Specialist

If you’ve been dealing with outer knee pain that doesn’t improve with rest, or if it keeps returning during physical activity, it’s time to consult a specialist. At DRHC Dubai, our orthopedic and sports medicine teams are experienced in diagnosing and treating iliotibial band syndrome with a patient-focused approach.

We understand how important it is to return to your active lifestyle—pain-free and with confidence. That’s why we not only focus on relieving your current discomfort, but also on preventing recurrence through strengthening, flexibility, and postural correction.

Ready to take the next step?
Let us help you move with ease again. Book a consultation at Dr. Rami Hamed Center in Dubai and get a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Dr. Rami Hamed
Consultant Spine & Orthopedic Surgeon
Founder, DRHC – Dubai Healthcare City
📞 ‪+971 4 279 8800‬
🌐 www.drhc.ae
📍 Dubai Healthcare City, Building 52