Why Does the Outside of My Knee Hurt? Understanding IT Band Friction Syndrome.

If you’ve been feeling a sharp, nagging pain on the outer side of your knee—especially during running, cycling, or climbing stairs—you’re not alone. Many active individuals in Dubai experience this kind of discomfort. One of the most common causes? A condition known as Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBFS).

At the Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we understand how concerning knee pain can be, especially when it starts to interfere with your daily activities or fitness goals. Let’s explore what IT Band Friction Syndrome is, what causes it, how it’s treated, and how you can prevent it from coming back.

What Is IT Band Friction Syndrome?

The iliotibial (IT) band is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of your thigh, from the hip down to just below the knee. Its job is to stabilize the knee and hip during movement.

In IT Band Friction Syndrome, this band becomes tight or inflamed and rubs repeatedly against the outer part of your knee joint, especially during repetitive movements like running or cycling. This rubbing causes pain, irritation, and sometimes swelling—typically felt just above the outer knee.

Common Symptoms of IT Band Friction Syndrome

• Pain on the outside of the knee, often sharp or burning
• Discomfort that starts after a certain distance while running or walking
• Pain worsens with activity, especially downhill running or cycling
• Tenderness or tightness along the outside of the thigh
• Swelling around the outer knee in some cases

What Causes IT Band Friction Syndrome?

ITBFS typically develops due to overuse, muscle imbalances, or biomechanical stress. Common causes include:

• Sudden increase in physical activity
• Running on uneven terrain or downhill
• Tightness in the hip or thigh muscles
• Poor running or cycling form
• Inadequate warm-up or stretching
• Leg length differences or poor foot alignment

Our orthopedic specialists at DRHC Dubai take a comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing the root cause of your pain.

Diagnosis at DRHC Dubai

During your visit, we will:

• Discuss your symptoms, physical activity, and medical history
• Perform a physical examination of your knee and hip
• Recommend imaging tests, such as MRI or ultrasound, if necessary

This thorough evaluation ensures that we differentiate ITBFS from other knee conditions like meniscal injuries, bursitis, or ligament strain.

Treatment Options: What to Expect

Fortunately, most cases of IT Band Syndrome can be treated without surgery. At DRHC Dubai, we offer:

• Physical Therapy:
  Tailored programs to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and correct biomechanics.
• Activity Modification:
  Temporarily reducing high-impact activities like running or climbing.
• Ice and Anti-inflammatories:
  To reduce swelling and pain.
• Foam Rolling and Stretching:
  To release tightness in the IT band and surrounding muscles.
• Injection Therapy:
  In some resistant cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation.
• Advanced Physiotherapy:
  Including ultrasound therapy, dry needling, and gait retraining as needed.

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