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Iliotibial Band Injury
Ross Hauser, M.D.

Another common athletic injury to the tendons of the knee is a strained iliotibial band. This causes pain on the outside of the knee just below the joint line. It is caused by strong exertion of the muscle during the sport or during training.

Specifically the iliotibial band rubs anteriorly and posteriorly over the lateral femoral condyle during running. Running, in particular, causes pain to this area located on the lateral (outside) of the knee joint. It is temporarily relieved by resting and can be relieved permanently with Prolotherapy!

The iliotibial band is a thick band of tissue that extends from the lateral thigh down over the knee. It functions to control the amount of hip adduction and minimize the rotational forces experienced at the hip and knee. Since female runners demonstrate a greater hip adduction and internal rotation angle while running than male counterparts, they are more likely to develop iliotibial band friction syndrome.

The symptoms include severe excruciating pain in the lateral knee which make running very difficult. Sometimes there is a grating sound where the ilitibial band rubs over the femur.

The mainstay treatment for Iliotibial band syndrome are anti-inflammatories, rest, and stretching of the iliotibial band. Typically this approach decreases symptoms and some athletes even get back to running, but generally the conditions continues to recur, why is that? The answer is easy, the attachment of the iliotibial band to the tibia is weak. So it keeps giving out.

What athletes want are muscles, ligaments and tendons that are strong and the proper length. Clearly if a muscle is tight, especially compared to the 'non-injured' side, then it needs to be stretched. Having the athlete rest and then giving anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone shots to areas like the iliotibial band just make them weaker. They may give initial pain relief but in the end the athlete's tissue is weaker and the injury keeps recurring or never goes away. There is a better way.

Since the iliotibial band goes from the hip area across the knee area it traverses two joints. If either of these two joints is weakened or has ligament laxity the tibia and/or femur will move too much. This will put extra stress on the iliotibial band. So some athletes with iliotibial band syndrome need Prolotherapy into and around their knee and their hips. If the hip is fine then an athlete with iliotibial band syndrome will get Prolotherapy to the area on the tibia where the iliotibial band attaches. If their are other parts of the iliotibial band that are tender on the athlete besides the attachment then these areas are treated by Neural Therapy to increase circulation to the area. Typically 3-6 visits of Prolotherapy are needed. The treatments can be done weekly. Generally after two treatments the athlete starts working out again.

For the athlete with chronic lateral knee pain, an evaluation by a Prolotherapist is warranted. We have treated many cases of iliotibial band syndrome in athletes (mostly runners) successfully with Prolotherapy. Even the Dietitian, Marion Hauser, has suffered from this. She had Prolotherapy to the area a few times and was able to then continue her marathon training. Not only did she finish the marathon but beat her predicted time by over 30 minutes!

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Ross Hauser, M.D.
Dr. Hauser received his M.D. from the University of Illinois, Chicago; completed his residency at Loyola-Hines VA-Marianjoy Hospitals in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Hauser is the Medical Director and co-founder of the physician-run, comprehensive natural medicine clinic, Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services in Oak Park, Illinois. Dr. Hauser is one of the leading experts in the treatment of chronic pain and sports injuries with Prolotherapy. He, along with his wife Marion, have written seven books on the topic of Prolotherapy, a comprehensive book on the natural medicine approach to cancer, as well as a myriad of articles and newsletters for the general public. Read more
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The information on this website is presented as information only and not a self-help guide NOR AS SPECIFIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS. Never alter or change your health management or begin any new health plans without first consulting your personal health care provider. Some statements on this site regarding the value of nutritional supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

As with any medical technique, Prolotherapy may not be effective for every individual and there are risks involved, these risks should be discussed with your physician. Results achieved with some may not be typical of all. Please consult a physician. Please read Prolotherapy Risks

There is no known cure for arthritis. Prolotherapy and nutritional supplements can help alleviate, reverse, or end arthritic pain by treating an underlying cause that contributes to degenerative disease, ligament laxity. Strengthening ligaments and other connective tissue can help prevent bone on bone arthritis from developing.

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