Illiotibial Band Injury....

Does anyone know anything about this?!?!!?
In 10/2012 I injured my knee. I have been doing PT for a month now and still having problems. Last night my therapist told me the popping I am feeling is my IT band. It is causing me a lot of pain and I am struggling with doing any kind of activity. I go back to the specialist to rule out surgery 12/12/12.

I was wondering if anyone on here knew much about the injury. I'm not getting much info from my therapist or specialist. What I have read about it though, it sounds like I may not be able to work out for a while longer, which is very frustrating! I am just ready to be back to normal! I miss working out!

Replies

  • Culley34
    Culley34 Posts: 224
    IT band injuries are the worst.

    You need to let it get better, and in the mean time, I know a lot of people recommending strengthening your hips / core to provide your body with some extra support.
  • Thanks!
  • kelsully
    kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
    I am a distance runner and this is a common injury for us. Are you using a foam roller to stretch out the IT band? Does the PT have you stretching the bejeezus out of the area? I have never heard of anyone having surgery for this, is yours tight or torn?

    Rest and, painful and intensive stretching are the go to treatments as far as I know, unless that is you have tearing or something more traumatic.
  • No I am not using a foam roller, but read about that earlier. I am doing some stretches. The surgery would be to help my kneecap. It has no cartlidge under it and does not move properly when I walk or run. My IT band is very tight! They are pretty sure it is not torn. All I know is I have had knee problems for 20 years due to being very active all my life, and I have never felt pain this bad! And I have a very high pain tolerance! So this is a tad frustrating for me.
  • HMVOL7409
    HMVOL7409 Posts: 1,588 Member
    Yep, developed ITBS 4 weeks out from my first 1/2 marathon in October and still recovering. Did PT for a few weeks but doing stretches, strengthening and foam rolling on my own know. It's a PIA but its loosening up.
  • sylwiasta
    sylwiasta Posts: 43 Member
    I have been struggling with this injury for over 6 months!! Was diagnosed just a couple of months ago but have been in pain for 6 months. I am exercising at home and rolling on my foam roller. Pain, pain, pain! To top it off the more I exercise my ankles (yes! my ankles!) hurt SO MUCH! They are on fire! I do not know what to do next. Can not exercise at the gym at all...
  • Firefox7275
    Firefox7275 Posts: 2,040 Member
    If your physiotherapist agrees, self myofascial release with a foam roller, not just for the IT band but any trigger points. Postural imbalances, tight and weak spots all interact. Don't exercise through the pain unless specifically advised to do so by your physio.