Runner's syndrome: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment

Iliotibial band syndrome, commonly called runner's syndrome, appears due to repetitive rubbing of the bones of the knee, causing pain when running. This is a very common injury in runners, whether they are beginners due to inadequate technique or expert runners due to overtraining. Keep reading the post!

What is iliotibial band syndrome?

The iliotibial band friction syndrome It occurs when the long tendon of the fascia lata repeatedly rubs against the lateral femoral condyle. It is a very common injury that manifests itself with very annoying pain in the knee, which, in some cases, can be disabling.

It is known as runner's syndrome as it is a characteristic injury of runners, although it can also be found in cycling, basketball and other sports.

Symptoms of iliotibial band syndrome

The main symptom of an iliotibial band injury is pain on the outside of the knee., increasing it with the race. The patient who has this injury also finds pain when the skin hits the ground and the leg is flexed.

It is also common to find pain when going up and down stairs, intensifying when running at very slow paces or on a downhill slope.

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Causes and risk factors of runner's knee

The causes of iliotibial band syndrome can be diverse and there are several factors that influence when it develops. Some of them have to do with the physiology of the knee and others due to external conditions.

Some studies show that a runner's injury is caused by not having good muscles in the lower extremities, so that the weight of the body is shifted towards the knee and causes and overloads its muscles. Thus, lack of strength in the hip abductor muscles can cause excessive inward rotation of the knee.

For its part, Runners with Genu Varus are more likely to suffer from iliotibial band syndrome, so that during running, the band on the lateral part of the thighs is under tension.

When training is suddenly increased, whether by adding time or weight, stress appears that facilitates the appearance of this injury.

It is important to take care of the shoes you train in, as some can change the way you run and cause tension in the iliotibial band. The unevenness of the terrain when it is time to strap or Running on hard terrain such as asphalt facilitates the appearance of runner's syndrome.

Diagnosis of "runner's knee"

For the diagnosis and treatment of iliotibial band syndrome, it will be the specialist who can offer an individualized diagnosis and appropriate treatment for the pathology.

The expert will be able to accurately diagnose the problem and will know the source of the pain. During the examination, the diagnosis is confirmed by pressing the fascia lata tendon against the lateral condyle. Additionally, MRI will help rule out other diagnoses.

The Ober test aims to measure the extensibility of the tensor fascia lata muscle. and check if there is a shortening of the iliotibial band.

It is also important to know that trigger points may exist along the fascia lata. The test will be completed with other complementary tests whose objective is muscle assessment.

Prevention of iliotibial band syndrome

There are several actions that can prevent this pathology, such as:

• Running on flat terrain.
• Gradually increase time and distance when jogging.
• Maintain correct postural hygiene during exercise.
• Perform stretching exercises before and after training.

Treatment of runner's knee syndrome

The first step in the treatment of runner's knee is to calm the inflammation, either by applying ice to the knee area, anti-inflammatory medication recommended by the specialist and a physiotherapy treatment, so that the tension in the fascia lata does not appear again when you proceed to train.

On the other hand, it is essential to completely stop physical activity, especially running or cycling, going to a professional so that they can determine the most appropriate treatment for the case. Otherwise, the patient runs the risk of the injury getting worse and the cause that caused the problem cannot be corrected.

Physiotherapy and sports massages for myofascial release They will help relax the tissues and fascia lata.

In the most severe cases, it will be important to consider performing surgery for runner's syndrome, proceeding to perform a knee arthroscopy, lengthening the posterior fibers of the iliotibial band tendon through a minimum incision of 2-3 millimeters in the patient's skin.

If you present any of these symptoms or suffer from any knee pathology, do not hesitate to make an appointment with our team. traumatologists experts in knee surgery for the best and fastest recovery of the joint.