Iliotibial Band Syndrome Treatment London | Private Ultrasound Diagnosis & Injections

Iliotibial Band Syndrome Explained

Iliotibial Band Relevant Anatomy

Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition in which the thick fibrous band that attaches the gluteal muscles of the hip and the outer thigh muscles to an insertion point just below the knee becomes painful.

Symptoms may result from inflammation at the insertion or from friction and irritation occurring beneath the bony prominence of the lower thigh bone, known as the lateral femoral condyle.

Iliotibial band syndrome is common in straight-line sports, particularly in those increasing running distances.

Diagnosing Iliotibial Band Syndrome

An ultrasound scan can be used to:

• Exclude any associated inflammation originating from the knee joint itself

• Assess the integrity and anatomy of the iliotibial band and its insertion onto the Gerdy’s tubercle on the tibia

In cases where inflammation is present, ultrasound can be used to define areas of fluid accumulation and bursal inflammation beneath the iliotibial band at the lateral femoral condyle.

Iliotibial Band Ultrasound Guided Injections

Administering an Iliotibial Band Ultrasound Guided Injection?

The mainstay of treatment for iliotibial band syndrome is a programme of rehabilitation and physical therapy exercises. This typically focuses on:

• Improving lateral hip strength

• Improving rotational control

• Incorporating appropriate stretching of the thigh and hip musculature

In cases where the condition is severely inflamed and is limiting competitive return, an ultrasound-guided injection can be helpful to settle inflammation beneath the iliotibial band and facilitate a return to activity, prior to progressing rehabilitation.

The procedure is performed with the patient in a side-lying position. The ultrasound probe is placed obliquely over the iliotibial band at the lateral aspect of the knee.

The needle is visualised passing underneath the iliotibial band into the area of inflammation, where a combination of steroid and local anaesthetic is injected. The flow of injectate can be seen during the procedure under real-time ultrasound guidance.

What to Do After Your Iliotibial Band Ultrasound Guided Injection

After the Injection
Following your iliotibial (IT) band injection, you may feel some mild soreness at the injection site. This is because the needle passes through the IT band, but the structure is superficial, and the procedure is not usually traumatic or significantly painful.

Needle Path & Post Injection Pain
Some localised tenderness may persist for a short time but usually resolves quickly and does not indicate any damage.

Wound Care & Infection Risk
Avoid exposing the injection site to dirty or public water (e.g., swimming pools, hot tubs) for 2–3 days to minimise infection risk. Monitor the area for redness, swelling, or discharge and contact me immediately if these occur.

Activity Guidance
Avoid running or other aggravating activities for two weeks following the injection. After this rest period, gradually reintroduce activity and exercise, following a careful and graded program to prevent recurrence of symptoms.

Follow-Up
If you experience unusual pain, redness, swelling, or other concerns following your injection, please contact me immediately.

Other Treatments for Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Stretches for ITB Syndrome

Strengthening for ITB Syndrome

Advanced Strengthening for ITB Syndrome

Iliotibial Band Syndrome | Evidence base

Although high-level evidence is limited, the existing clinical research and expert consensus support a multifactorial rehabilitation approach for ITBS. Physiotherapy targeting hip abductor and external rotator strength, combined with lower limb flexibility, addresses known biomechanical contributors. Modifying training load and correcting gait mechanics, especially in runners, is often effective. Corticosteroid injections may be considered in refractory cases where lateral knee pain persists despite appropriate rehab, but they do not address underlying biomechanical issues. Surgery is rarely needed and generally reserved for elite athletes who do not improve with conservative management over a prolonged period.

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