Iliotibial band Syndrome is called a syndrome because it is poorly understood, and the term applied to a broad range of pains that are probably due to different types of inflammations in soft tissues and fascia along the later femur, knee and upper lateral tibia, even. My own research and thinking has evolved on the subject over time. Rather than re-applying the label ITBS to a specific inflammation, I think it actually is appropriate to apply it to a broad range of inflammations that occur int he region. That, after all, is how essentially how the term ‘syndrome’ is applied in medicine.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t leave those of us who periodically suffer with it with any greater certainty about how we should treat our problem. Some of us will probably find long term relief from improvements in running form, whereas some may find it difficult to find relief at all. The more I’ve studied ITBS, the more I’ve seen that while what I did works very well for some people, my earlier attempts to narrow the scope of the ITBS diagnosis still has the effect of leaving a lot of folks out in the cold with no explanation and no clear path to alleviating their pain… Even so, some combination of the approaches I’ve mentioned does seem to help most people with ITBS.

Some psychologists say, “Therapy is where you find it.” I believe this should also be said by a larger number of practitioners seeking to help people with the types of vague problems we often end up calling a “syndrome,” like ITBS.

With diligence and persistence, and most of all sufficient rest and proper rehab, I have confidence you will overcome your bout of ITBS. All the best to you and cheers.

Just wanted to add my thoughts on your comments regarding pain on the lateral epichondyle, where you have suggested it is not ITBS. Contrary to this, my understanding is that pain is commonly felt at the lateral femoral epichondyle (Clinical Presentation – http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0415/p1545.html, or http://web.mac.com/kinetichealth/Kinetiic_Health_-_Online/Blogging/Entries/2006/11/20_Understanding_ITBS.html). In your case it was further up the ITB. I figure that ITBS can flare up at many places along the band.

My pain began shortly after my longest training run for a half marathon. It then presented itself with acute pain in a short run a few days later. This was two weeks before the half marathon. I managed to get through the half marathon with antiinflammatories, a knee brace, and a lowered goal time. Since then I have stopped completely .

I have seen a physio who has diagnosed my pain as ITBS. At first I couldn’t pinpoint the pain, however 2 weeks in and it is now very specific – right on the lateral epicondyle.

The two alternative conditions you mentioned – injurying the LCL or lateral meniscus, are very unlikely to occur in a runner, and more likely to come about after an impact injury (i.e. football tackle). I also see them as much more serious injuries (ITBS sounds better..!)

Furthermore, although I’m yet to test it, I would expect the strap to provide some relief no matter where the pain is. Hopefully placing the strap a few inches above the knee (same place you put it) will restrict the movement of the band and decrease the inflammation – where ever the site of pain was.

Meanwhile, I’m waiting for the straps and a foam roller to arrive in the mail. I’m stretching my ITBS and strengthening hip muscles and looking at correcting my overpronation. As you observed – we can’t help but try EVERTYHING !