Iliotibial band tightness is a frequent knee injury that results when the iliotibial band is irritated and swells up as it rubs against the hip or knee bone. It occurs naturally when the band rotates forward or due to hip abductor weakness. It takes four to eight weeks to heal completely. It is advised to take proper rest and not to run, cycle, or perform squats. Some simple physiotherapy can relieve the tightness in a few days.
All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical Wellness Experts, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top Wellness Experts from iCliniq.
I have tightness and a rubbing feeling in my thigh. Why?
Query: Hi doctor, I am a runner and was training for a marathon till about three weeks ago noticed tightness and rubbing feeling down the outside of my thigh. I had a sports massage and they said it was my IT band. I felt better after the massage and have managed a few 3 to 4 miles run since then which fee... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The problem you are having is IT (iliotibial) band tightness. Stretching would help a lot but it does not help everyone. You may start strengthening your core muscles and also the hip joint muscles. Work more on the quadriceps medialis muscles that is the inner thigh mu... Read Full »
Why do I hear cracking sounds whenever I flex or move my knee?
Query: Hi doctor, I have a knee injury that is not allowing me to run or squat. Whenever I try to run, there is a sharp pain inside my knee with every step I take. There is also a low cracking and creaking sounds whenever I flex or move my knee. I want to begin running again. Please help. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your concern, in my opinion, you might have some patellofemoral issue, that is, pain due to rubbing of patella bone with underlying femur bone. It can be caused due to tight hip musculature, back issue, or ITB tightness (Iliotibial band syndrome). That cracking ... Read Full »
What has caused knee pain after running on a treadmill?
Query: Hello doctor, I recently started running (treadmill), but after a week or so, I found that my knees were really hurting. I continued thinking it was muscular, but it got to the point at which I was in a lot of pain. I stopped running and it has taken three weeks for my knees to feel almost normal. ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The pain what you described could be due to an iliotibial band (ITB) friction caused due to tight gluteus muscles. Because of running, no proper warming up or fatigue. Please do not worry, it is a commonly encountered situation in runners and is completely solvable. ... Read Full »
Ask a Specialist Now
Get Expert advice/consultation in 3 stepsChat with a Wellness Expert
Starting @ just $59