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 a 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 in 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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