Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome can be a frustrating and painful condition, especially for active individuals, runners, cyclists, and those who spend long hours on their feet. If you've been battling persistent pain along the outside of your knee or thigh, it's natural to wonder—will I need surgery to get better?
At Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, believes in exploring all conservative treatment options first. Surgery is considered only when necessary. In this blog, we’ll walk you through when surgery may be required for IT band syndrome, what the procedure involves, and what you can expect during recovery.
The iliotibial band is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the hip to the knee, helping to stabilize the leg during movement. IT band syndrome occurs when this band becomes tight or inflamed, usually due to overuse, poor biomechanics, or repetitive activities. It commonly causes:
Most cases of IT band syndrome improve with non-surgical treatment such as physiotherapy, stretching, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, surgery may be considered when:
At DRHC Dubai, surgery is only recommended after thorough evaluation and if your pain continues to limit your mobility and quality of life despite all non-invasive efforts.
If surgery becomes the best option, rest assured
If surgery becomes the best option, rest assured—it is typically a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. The most common approach is an IT band release or bursectomy, where:
This surgery is done under local or general anesthesia, and most patients can go home the same day.