Iliotibial band syndrome (ITB) is an overuse injury which many, many runners might have to face sometime in their careers.
That's the reason you should take a few minutes to learn more about the definitions, prevention and treatment of this painful injury.
This article of Best Running Gear will tell you:
The definition of iliotibial band syndrome
What causes iliotibial band syndrome
How to prevent iliotibial band syndrome
How to treat iliotibial band syndrome
The Definition of ITB
ITB occurs to the outside of your leg as an overuse injury.
The ligament known as the iliotibial band runs from your hip to your shin on the outside of your thigh. Friction is caused by the rubbing of this band on the bones on your knee.
Pain or inflammation can be caused by too much friction.
There is a test you can do to determine whether you might have ITB. If you feel pain on the outside of your knee when you bend your leg from a straight position, then ITB is a strong possibility.
Causes of ITB
As an overuse injury, the common causes of ITB include:
Shoes that need replacement
Running on too many inclines
Running too long or covering too many miles
Track running that doesn't include direction changes
Prevention of ITB
Of course, it is easy to know how to prevent ITB, once you know what can cause it, but we will reiterate prevention measures you can take.
Steps for prevention iliotibial band syndrome:
Build-up of the miles you run, slowly and steadily
Replace your shoes when they need to be replaced
Avoiding hills can be helpful
Your track workouts should include directional changes at regular intervals
Treatment of iliotibial band syndrome:
You can treat ITB, once you have determined you have it with:
Ice applications and plenty of rest
Ice will reduce the inflammation and rest means at least reducing miles or eliminating running until the condition improves.
Do not ignore the pain because ITB can become a chronic condition, if you continue your normal running routine. The last thing you want is for this to happen, but you run the risk of this occurring, if you don't refrain from running until the condition improves.
Alternative workouts
Alternative exercises like swimming or pool running are good cross training exercises to consider. Find out why cross training is beneficial in the Cross Training for Runners article.
Figure out why ITB occurred
You need to be critical of your running routine because you need to change something to avoid recurrence of the condition. Ask yourself the tough questions to determine if you are over-doing it in a particular area of your regular running routine.
Gradually start running again
Don't start right back on your regular routine. Instead, take a short break for the rest and then gradually start running again until you work back up to the level you were at before the injury.
Protec Iliotibial Band
The Protec Iliotibial Band supports the iliotibial band because it features a compression.
You may need a cortisone injection if you don't get relief from the Protec Iliotibial Band, resting and ice applications.
Surgery
Most runners don't want to consider surgery because it can result in "floppy knees", but you may need to have surgery done, as a final option.
If you diagnose and treat ITB in an early stage, you won't be faced with more drastic measures and chances are that rest, ice and the Protec Iliotibial Band can cure the injury.
ITB demands a proactive approach and indicates there is something wrong with your running routine. Think about what it is so you can improve your running.
All overuse injuries need to be taken seriously, including ITB.
Pronouncing iliotibial band syndrome is painful enough, so do your best to avoid it by adjusting your running routine.
Want more running gear advice?
Simply subscribe to my newsletter or to my site blog and you are ensured of keeping up-to-date with all the Best Running Gear!
The 
