We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

ITBS surgery?

jballantine0826
jballantine0826 Posts: 4
edited January 7 in Fitness and Exercise
I have been struggling with ITBS for 4 months now. It started in Sept, got worse after a marathon in October. Took a few weeks off, did a 10k, was fine. Then in December I did a half-that was stupid. Since September I have been going to PT, doing stretches 2x per day, strength training for gluts, hips,etc, foam rolling 2x a day (and with tennis ball for isolation), I took time off, I have decreased my milage, have gotten 2 cortisone injections, got the band to wear, have tried KT tape, ice after every run, anti-inflammatories, tried vibrams, adjusted running form to not heal strike.. I stop running if I feel pain, but I feel it around mile 1. I can't run two days in a row, and can tolerate only 5-8 miles a week (was doing 40 pre-injury). My question is- has anyone had ITB surgery? I have read other discussion boards, and the results seem to be mixed. Did it help? How long until you could run again? I had an MRI and it showed decreased cartilage under the patella and it was tracking further to the outside of knee. Can the surgery cause a mask in pain and further cartilage damage. I am fairly young, and don't want to have debilitating arthritis by the time I'm 30! However, running is a huge part of my life and I feel like I am going to go insane if I can't increase my mileage soon! Swimming, biking, not the same. Advice is greatly appreciated!

Replies

  • BattyMac87
    BattyMac87 Posts: 24 Member
    I also have suffered with this for the last 2 years on and off - I love getting out for a run so it's been really frustrating. Have you considered trying barefoot or minimal running? I am thinking about it because like you, I have tried everything and it just keeps coming back. I think it might by my gait when I run that's causing the problem.
  • jballantine0826
    jballantine0826 Posts: 4
    I have started to consider barefoot running. I have a couple pairs of vibrams and been using them more frequently. It takes time to get used to, but it is worth a try. I was thinking about using them on my short run days and speed days. I would wear regular running shoes for long runs. Have you had your gait analyzed?
  • KelliW_runner
    KelliW_runner Posts: 150 Member
    My ITB flared up when I increased my long runs beyond 12 miles. I've been doing all the remedies you mentioned but it hasn't fully gone away. I just now (5 days away from my first marathon) realized that I had changed shoes right at that time. Had my gait analyzed and they put me in a support vs. neutral shoe. Today I ran with my old neutral lightweight Asics and I felt pretty good for 4 miles. I'm considering the "old" shoes for the marathon this weekend in case the support shoes are what actually screwed me up.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories