You've probably heard about your IT band if you're a runner or athlete, and here is what a chiropractor desires you to know! The iliotibial (IT) band is a thick and expansive band of tissue that runs from the thigh to the knee and connects to the femur (thigh bone) first and then to the tibia (shin bone). It reaches from the thigh's top to the knee's outside. As a result, the IT band tightens when you flex or stand up. This allows you to keep your legs straight and your thigh muscles to relax. IT band syndrome occurs when this band of tissue becomes thick and tight.
This band crosses your thighbone's lower outside edge when you bend and extend your leg. As a result, the iliotibial band may shift back and forth repeatedly, irritating adjacent tissues and resulting in pain.
While anyone can get IT band syndrome, it most frequently affects athletes, particularly distance runners or people just starting with exercise.
The most common symptom of IT band syndrome is a sharp, burning pain on the outside of your knee. The pain is often worse when you bend or flex your leg. You may also feel pain when you extend your leg, such as when you run up or down stairs. The pain may radiate from your knee to your hip or thigh. You may also feel a clicking sensation on the outside of your knee when you bend and extend your leg.
Other symptoms of IT band syndrome include:
– Tenderness on the outside of your knee or thigh
– Stiffness in your knee or hip
– Redness or warmth on the outside of your knee or thigh
– Swelling on the outside of your knee or thigh
What Causes IT Band Syndrome?
IT band syndrome is often caused by overuse from running, cycling, or other repetitive motions. The condition may also be caused by a sudden increase in mileage or the intensity of your workout. Your risk of IT band syndrome increases if you have tight muscles in your hips or thighs. This condition is also more common in women than men.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam of your knee and hip. In addition, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an MRI, to rule out other conditions.
A chiropractor is a fantastic resource for finding relief from IT band pain. They provide rehabilitation exercises that will assist lessen pain in the affected area and strengthening the muscles and tendons surrounding the IT band, in addition to natural and holistic treatments.
To help lessen the inflammation of the IT band, a chiropractor may employ several therapies, including dry needling, scraping, or active release techniques. Additionally, manual therapy can be applied to guarantee that the hip, thigh, and knee are adequately aligned.
A set of rehabilitation exercises that will strengthen the surrounding muscles and tendons is one of the best things a chiropractor can include in a patient's treatment regimen. By doing this, you are addressing any movement intolerances and assisting in reducing tension on the IT band.
Not only will a patient experience pain relief with a combined strategy of chiropractic treatments and rehabilitation activities, but they will also be able to maintain their results. The purpose of including rehab exercises in a treatment plan is to increase muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility around and around painful areas. In addition, you are assisting in preventing future harm or reoccurring injury by doing this. As was previously said, the objective is always to discover the problem's core cause and attempt to fix it.
At Peak Potential Family Chiropractic, we offer our patients a wide range of services to get them on the road to recovery. Our chiropractors will work with you to tailor a treatment and rehabilitation program specific to your needs. We also offer other services such as nutritional counselling and massage therapy.
If you are experiencing pain outside your knee, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Resources:
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