Over the past few months I've been training for a 1/2 marathon. As those of you who know me realize, I'm NOT a runner... but I have helped many athletes overcome their issues while training for competitive running events.
I'm proud to say, now I can relate even more closely with those people whom I've helped over the years. I'm the latest victim of IT-Band Syndrome.
If you're unaware of what the IT-band is, or unfamiliar with IT-band syndrome (ITBS) I'll let you google it, as there is an abundance of material on the basics of it. (Go ahead, I'll wait...). In this blog I'll go into further detail on how we approach IT-band issues from a chiropractic perspective.
I'm proud to say, now I can relate even more closely with those people whom I've helped over the years. I'm the latest victim of IT-Band Syndrome.
If you're unaware of what the IT-band is, or unfamiliar with IT-band syndrome (ITBS) I'll let you google it, as there is an abundance of material on the basics of it. (Go ahead, I'll wait...). In this blog I'll go into further detail on how we approach IT-band issues from a chiropractic perspective.
ITBS is symptomatically displayed by pain on the outside of the knee, usually a sharp pain, burning, or sometimes a tingling. It has long been thought of as an "overuse" injury - as in, you're just over doing it. This is not what any distance runner wants to hear. While overuse is a factor, the root of the problem is a more functional one. While there are a few other causes, one of the most common and overlooked is what chiropractors refer to as "pelvic unleveling". If you did your IT band google research you know the band attaches on the top to the pelvis or "hip bone". When the pelvis is not level it stresses the IT-band and causes it to rub along the outside of the knee joint. To the right you can see a drawing and an actual radiograph of pelvic unleveling. There are a few reasons for this to occur such as pelvic misalignment, glute weakness, difference in leg length, and often a combination of those factors which has caused a compensatory pattern in the biomechanics of the runner. |
While there are some options that may provide symptom relief, and a temporary or partial fix, the best way to resolve the issue permanently is to address the root of the problem with a health professional who understands how to address the multiple causes of ITBS.
There are obviously many reasons for knee pain, if you or someone you know is suffering from this kind of issue, call for a free consultation and Dr. Kathleen and I will provide you with solutions.
There are obviously many reasons for knee pain, if you or someone you know is suffering from this kind of issue, call for a free consultation and Dr. Kathleen and I will provide you with solutions.