Symptoms
The main symptom of ITBS is the stabbing pain at the upper, outer edge of the knee. The inflammatory process causes symptoms such as redness, overheating, impaired function, swelling and pain. Often, however, only the pain is externally perceptible.
The pain can be triggered or intensified by movement. At first it occurs when jogging after a few kilometers. As the inflammation progresses, the pain also increases.
In pronounced cases, each step can be unbearable due to the stabbing pain. Likewise, the pain can affect the entire tendon and extend into the pubic bone in the pelvis. Even going downhill often makes the pain worse, as there is increased tendon activity. In rare cases, a crunching sound can be heard from outside when the knee is slowly bent.
Diagnosis
ITBS can be easily diagnosed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon through questioning and physical examination. Previous sports activities are particularly important for the specific anamnesis (questioning). Jogging or cycling are important for the medical history.
Also the development and the temporal course of the complaints in correlation with the sports activities provide clear indications. Previous symptoms that have already healed and previous tendon inflammations also make ITBS more likely. The physical examination includes an external inspection.
Under certain circumstances, redness can be detected. The affected area above the knee may also be overheated and swollen. However, the decisive diagnostic factor is the pressure pain in the outer upper knee.
Individual movements can also be performed. If they lead to the typical pain, the diagnosis is obvious. Differential diagnoses must be clarified before the final diagnosis is made.Especially in the area of the knee, inflammation and injury-related pain can occur. By certain hand movements of the orthopedic surgeon the movability of the lower leg and the rotations in the knee can be tested. In this way meniscus and cruciate ligament complaints can be ruled out.
Treatment
The aim of the treatment is to allow the inflammation in the tendon to heal. To achieve this, it is unfortunately unavoidable to stop sporting activity for the time being. Otherwise, the pain will steadily worsen and will never heal completely.
An inflammation can be healed by the body itself as long as the stimulus that caused it is absent. In the acute situation and in long-term therapy, the affected leg must be spared. In acute complaints, cooling and elevation can additionally relieve the pain.
Anti-inflammatory drugs can also accelerate healing. In the case of mild symptoms, local remedies should be used first to avoid unnecessary stress on the body. Ointments containing “Diclofenac” are often used for this purpose.
This is a pain medication of the NSAID group. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. If there is sufficient time, healing of the inflammation is likely.
Afterwards, preventive measures must be the first priority. If you resume jogging immediately, the pain will most likely reoccur. Possible incorrect positions and incorrect loads in the course of movement can be corrected by physiotherapy and movement therapy.
An important measure can consist of regular stretching exercises. Adapted running shoes and insoles can also correct many defective positions. If these measures are out of the question, in the long run the only option is to change the type of sport.
