Iliotibial band  syndrome causes lateral (outer-side) hip pain , frequently related to intense activity causing chronic inflammation. Runners, cyclists, trades people,  defense personnel, athletes and gymnists are prone to this syndrome.

Some studies have found that iliotibial band syndrome accounts for 12% of runners’ injuries.

Many other conditions can be a cause of ITB syndrome, including malaligned foot  and knee, foot pronation/ flat foot, leg length discrepancy, poor training technique, bad shoe wear, prominent outer epicondyle/ condyle, exostosis, spurs of the greater trochanter or knee , tight ITB,  and other causes.

It is caused by friction of structures during continuous flexion and extension of the hip joint. The snapping hip phenomenon, inflammation, oedema and other related conditions are diagnosed by ultrasound.

Also, the same pathology can be found over the outer knee.

Anatomy: ITB is a long fascia that extends from the Tensor Fasciae Latae muscle that attaches to the anterior iliac crest, and travels along the outside of the hip and thigh, and inserts into Gerdy’s tubercle just below the knee. The gluteus maximus muscle also contributes/ inserts into the ITB.