North America

Practical management of iliotibial band friction syndrome in runners

Summary

The guidelines divide treatment into 5 phases of treatment: Acute phase: control of pain and inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ice, activity modification, and corticosteroid injection with severe pain or swelling Sub-acute phase: correction of biomechanical abnormalities and release of myofascial restrictions with stretching and soft-tissue therapy Recovery and strengthening phase: improve strength of hip abductors with a graded exercise programme Return-to-running phase: 3 to 4 week programme of return to normal running activity Rare, refractory cases: surgery may be considered.