Iliotibial band friction syndrome Treatment in Sharjah

Al Resalah Specialty Clinic provides advanced orthopedic and physiotherapy treatment for Iliotibial (IT) Band Friction Syndrome in Sharjah. Our integrated approach focuses on accurately diagnosing the cause of your knee or hip pain and delivering a comprehensive, personalized plan to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and address the underlying biomechanical factors to prevent recurrence.


What is Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome?

Iliotibial (IT) band friction syndrome is a common overuse injury, particularly prevalent among runners, cyclists, and individuals involved in repetitive leg movements. The iliotibial band is a thick, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the outside of your thigh, from your hip to just below your knee.

 
 

When this band becomes tight or inflamed, it can create friction as it rubs over the bony prominence on the outside of your knee (lateral femoral epicondyle). This friction leads to:

 
  • Sharp or burning pain on the outside of the knee 🦵

  • Pain that often worsens during or after activity, especially downhill running or cycling 🚴‍♀️

  • Pain that may improve with rest 🛋️

  • Sometimes, a snapping or popping sensation at the knee

  • Tenderness to touch on the outside of the knee

     

Factors contributing to ITB friction syndrome often include tight IT bands, weak hip abductor muscles, poor running/cycling form, worn-out footwear, or sudden increases in training intensity.

 

Our Integrated Treatment Approach

At Al Resalah Specialty Clinic, we combine the expertise of our orthopedic specialists with advanced physiotherapy to offer a holistic and effective treatment plan for ITB friction syndrome.

Orthopedic Management

Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation by our orthopedic specialist. They will:

  • Conduct a detailed physical examination, assessing your hip, knee, and ankle joints, and identifying any muscle imbalances or structural issues that may be contributing to ITB friction.

  • Discuss your activity level, training regimen, and medical history to pinpoint potential causes of the overuse injury.

  • Order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI, if necessary, to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.

  • Develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medication to reduce inflammation or, in some cases, a targeted injection to provide temporary pain relief and facilitate more effective rehabilitation.

     

Advanced Physiotherapy

Our advanced physiotherapy program is the cornerstone of our non-surgical approach to treating ITB friction syndrome. Our expert physiotherapists will guide you through a tailored program designed to:

  • Reduce Pain and Inflammation: Utilizing therapeutic modalities like heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrotherapy, along with targeted manual therapy and soft tissue release techniques (e.g., foam rolling, deep tissue massage) to alleviate discomfort and release tension in the IT band and surrounding muscles.

  • Improve Flexibility: Prescribing specific stretching exercises for the IT band, hip flexors, hamstrings, and quadriceps to improve overall leg flexibility and reduce tightness that contributes to friction.

  • Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Focusing on strengthening weak hip abductor muscles (like the gluteus medius and minimus) and core muscles. Strong hip and core muscles are crucial for stabilizing the pelvis and lower limb, reducing excessive strain on the IT band during movement.

  • Correct Biomechanics and Movement Patterns: Analyzing your gait, running form, or cycling posture. Our therapists will provide guidance on proper body mechanics, footwear choices, and training modifications (e.g., adjusting saddle height on a bike, altering stride length) to address the root causes of the friction and prevent recurrence.

     

Why Choose Al Resalah Specialty Clinic?

  • Expert Team: Our clinic is staffed by a dedicated team of highly qualified and experienced orthopedic and physiotherapy professionals.

  • Personalized Care: We believe in a patient-centered approach, creating a unique treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms, activity level, and recovery goals.

  • Integrated Care: We offer a unique, collaborative approach that ensures you receive the best of both orthopedic and rehabilitative care under one roof.

  • State-of-the-art Facilities: We utilize modern equipment and evidence-based techniques to ensure you receive the most effective and advanced treatment available.

  • Convenient Location: Our clinic is easily accessible in Sharjah, providing you with high-quality care close to home.

Don’t let IT band pain keep you from your active life. Schedule a consultation with our specialists at Al Resalah Specialty Clinic and take the first step toward lasting relief and improved performance. Contact us today to book your appointment!