Dear Dr. Donohue: I run with a group of 30-to 40-year-olds, and have been doing so on most days of the week. I've done this for two years and feel like I am in better condition than I have ever been.
However, I have developed pain on the side of my right knee. One of our runners is a volunteer trainer for the local high school. He is certain I have iliotibial band syndrome. He told me to stop running for three weeks. Will you give me more information on this? Do you agree with the diagnosis?
H.S.
The iliotibial band is a wide strip of tough tissue that runs down the side of the leg from the pelvic bone all the way to the bone of the lower leg. It has many functions. It assists in movements of the hip and in bending and straightening the leg. It also provides protection to the thigh muscles, and it stabilizes the knee.
Iliotibial band syndrome is an overuse injury. Has your group increased the distance it runs? That's the usual story - an increase in running distance. The pain of iliotibial band syndrome is on the outer side of the knee. Most who suffer from it believe they've injured their knee.
All overuse injuries call for rest. It's the most important aspect of treatment. For severe knee pain, a knee immobilizer should be worn for three days.
Icing the painful area three times a day for 20 minutes relieves the inflammation that causes pain. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (Aleve, Advil and the many others) can be used as needed. Tylenol is a good pain reliever. In instances when none of these works, a doctor can inject the painful area with a cortisone drug.
It takes four or more weeks for this injury to heal. When you're free of pain, start running, but do so at a modified distance. While you're recovering, you can do other exercises that don't stress the band.
Swimming is an example. You might tolerate biking. I believe your friend is quite capable of making a diagnosis.
However, I'd feel more confident if you consulted a doctor. Other injuries produce pain similar to the pain of iliotibial band syndrome.
