Pain that buildsKnee topic
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (Outer Knee Pain)
Iliotibial band syndrome, often called IT band syndrome, is excessive irritation that causes pain on the outside of the knee.
What it is
It shows up as pain on the outer part of the knee, from excessive irritation.
It is one of the overuse and injury causes of knee pain.
Outside of the knee and front of the knee
Outside of the knee
- Iliotibial band syndrome is pain along the outside of the knee.
Front of the knee
- Patellofemoral pain is pain under or around the kneecap, at the front of the knee. Read more on patellofemoral pain.
Where the pain is felt is a clue, not a diagnosis. That takes an evaluation.
How it is described
People describe:
- Stabbing or stinging pain along the outside of the knee.
- A feeling that the band snaps over the knee as it bends and straightens.
What may contribute
Contributors include:
- Excessive friction between the IT band and the thigh bone.
- Poor alignment or muscle control of the lower body.
- Repeated activities such as running and cycling.
- Sitting, standing or kneeling for a long time.
What Physical Therapy may involve
Physical Therapy may include:
- A look at weakness in the hip and core muscles, which can contribute.
- Functional training specific to your activity or sport.
- Work on how far the joints move, manual therapy and a home program.
- It helps to contact a physical therapist soon after you first feel pain.
Imaging is typically not needed.
What an evaluation may look at
An evaluation may include:
- A review of your history.
- An analysis of how you move.
- Watching the activity that causes the pain.
How Physical Therapy may fit
A Shanti physical therapist begins with an evaluation. If Physical Therapy looks like a good fit, the plan is built around what the evaluation shows. Depending on the findings, a plan may use some, all or none of these approaches:
Safety note
When to seek medical care
Seek urgent medical care after a serious injury if you cannot put weight on the leg, or if the leg or joint looks deformed. Contact a medical professional for severe or worsening symptoms, fever, or concerns after an operation.
See the full safety checklist
When to get medical care first
Get emergency care right away if:
- you cannot put weight on the knee after an injury;
- your knee looks deformed;
- your calf or foot has numbness, tingling or a bluish color;
- your foot feels cool or looks blue after a knee injury. This can mean the knee has come out of joint, which is an emergency.
Contact a medical professional promptly if:
- your knee buckles, clicks or locks;
- your knee is still painful after 3 days of home treatment;
- the pain is severe;
- you have trouble bending or straightening the knee;
- you have a fever;
- your knee is red or warm;
- your knee is heavily swollen;
- your calf hurts or swells;
- an activity keeps bringing on knee pain. Get it checked before it gets worse.
If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, ask a medical professional. Information online is not a diagnosis.
Request an appointment
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