The ITB is the Iliotibial band, extending laterally from the hip down to the knee. The ITB is known amongst runners and for some it is a constant challenge to keep the ITB flexible. Tightness in the ITB can cause pain on the outside of the knee and clicking in the hip area with every swinging motion of the leg whether it be running or even just walking.
If you have a tight ITB you might feel a burning down the outside of the leg at night when you lay on that side. Often the ITB will be tight due to its compensatory nature for weakness in other muscles such as the quadriceps of the thigh or gluteal muscles of the buttock.
Treatment for ITB tightness might include;
- Stretching on a roller
- Improving flexibility of thigh and buttock muscles
- Hip range of movement improvement
- Strengthening of the core
- Assessment and correction of gait in walking or running
- Deep tissue massage
