23/04/2026
What is Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome? 💭
ITB syndrome (also known as runner’s knee), is where a tendon called the iliotibial band gets irritated or swollen from compression against the lower end of your thigh (femur) bone where it attaches onto your knee. This compression causes friction resulting in inflammation and pain.
It’s a common overuse injury, often caused by activities where you bend your knee repeatedly, like running, cycling, hiking, and walking long distances.
The main symptom of ITB syndrome is a sharp pain, burning or ache on the outside of your knee, which may spread down your leg, and occasionally up towards your hip. The outside of your knee may be tender to the touch and you may have some swelling. The pain is often worse when you run downhill, or if you run or cycle for longer than you normally would. You may find that the pain starts at a similar point in your run or cycle, and goes shortly after you stop.
Usually, you’ll only feel pain when you do the aggravating activity. But if the problem continues and gets worse, it can start to affect you even when you just go for a walk, bend, do stairs, or sit with your knees bent.
There are varying degrees of severity of ITB Syndrome.
The most common symptoms include:
Sharp or burning pain just above the joint line, on the outer part of the knee.
Pain that worsens with a continuance of running or other repetitive activities
Swelling over the outside of the knee.
Pain going down hill or walking downstairs.
Gradual onset of symptoms which if they persist for greater than four weeks can cause significant sport or activity interference.
Tenderness to touch on the bone on the outside of your knee.
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, or suspect that you have Iliotibial Band Syndrome, then please book in to see us at MB Physiotherapy & Performance ☎️07817123994
