How to Diagnose Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Athletes who work out too hard may suffer knee pain, which can be caused by an inflamed tendon. The iliotibial band runs down the leg from the hip joint to the patella. Stress on the knee from repetitive flexing and extension causes bursitis pain on the outside of the knee or along the tendon to the hip. Learn how to determine whether you have iliotibial band syndrome.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Health care practitioner
• X-ray or tissue scan

Pay Attention to Your Body's Cues

1. Acknowledge a recurrent, aching pain on the outside of the knee, just above the joint, as a health condition that needs attention.
2. Note whether the knee pain occurs on the top of the knee, runs up your leg on the outside toward your hip or worsens following exercise.
3. Note whether you feel a "popping" sensation or hear a clicking sound at times in the knee or upper leg.
4. Recall whether you have recently stressed your knee with repetitive flexing and bending, such as pedaling, running or dancing.
5. Consider any foot, knee or spinal conditions in your medical history, such as pronation, a bone deformity or spinal curvature resulting in a shortened limb. Any of these could cause the iliotibial band to irritate the knee bursa.

Seek a Professional Opinion

6. Get a physical exam. Tell your doctor that you have bursitis pain in the knee. Your doctor will try to re-create and locate the pain by making you move the afflicted area. Having this information will help her accurately diagnose your problem.
7. Describe your pain, including any clicking or popping, and tell your doctor if you have recently put extra stress on the knee.
8. Inform your doctor of your medical history and your training or exercise regimen. Runners should bring their shoes to test for excessive pronation.
9. Get X-rays or tissue scans for inconclusive cases.

Tips & Warnings

• Iliotibial band syndrome will not result in visible swelling of the knee area. If you have swelling, consider a different cause.
• If your condition is brought on by excessive pronation, you may need to have an orthopedist or chiropractor diagnose you.
• Runners and cyclists are prone to contracting iliotibial band syndrome and should stretch to prevent the condition.
• Diagnoses are not always definitive. Knee pain may be caused by a joint disorder or other serious condition. If your pain doesn't dissipate after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment, see your doctor again to rule out other causes.