Ilio-Tibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBFS)

This interesting condition causes pain on the outer side of the knee due to a tight Ilio-tibial band rubbing over the lateral femoral epicondyle (a sharp edge to the thighbone above the knee where the lateral ligament of the knee attaches to the femur). The condition usually occurrs in runners and comes on after a certain distance (which gets less as then condition worsens) and settles quickly if the running is stopped. There will be tenderness over the epicondyle. The road camber can be a factor and running in the opposite direction and camber (IF SAFE) can help. Treatment is by diligent physiotherapy stretches of the tight ITB and recovery takes several months and the stretches must be continued longer term. Very accasionally this does not work and surgery to slightly lengthen the ITB is required.