What is IT Band Syndrome?

IT Band Syndrome is one of the leading causes of lateral (outside) knee pain in runners. The ilio tibial (IT) band runs from the hip to the outside of the end of the lower leg just below the knee. Its function is to resist internal rotation of the lower leg as well as maintain the integrity of the leg at the knee joint. IT band “friction syndrome” is a condition where the IT band is stretched and torqued and the end rubs across the bone of the upper leg.

IT Band Syndrome Common Symptoms Pain on the lateral side of the knee often extending up the lateral side of the thigh as high as the hip. Stinging sensation just above the knee Swelling of the tissue along the entire length of the IT band. Pain intensifying during activity, especially as the foot strikes the floor. How is IT Band Syndrome treated? The IT band can be rested, iced, compressed and elevated (RICE) to reduce pain and inflammation Stretching. Using a foam roller to loosen the iliotibial band can help prevent and treat ITBS, although the treatment itself can be very painful to some.

However, if the problem is the abnormal pronation or other anatomical foot structure issues, the patient should be fitted with custom functional orthotics to correct the pronation thereby reducing stress on the IT band.

Moreover, other treatments available for this injury use a compression wrap to mobilize the ITB where the tendon meets the knee. This is called an ‘IT band compression wrap.

In severe cases where a conservative approach has failed, surgery can be a good option.

Best Shoes for IT Band Syndrome

We carry a wide variety of shoes and sandals for IT Band Syndrome in order to ease your comfort in both casual and professional situations. Many of the supportive shoes and sandals we carry have great support and accommodate orthotics.

The best shoes for IT Band Syndrome help reduce pressure on the knees by controlling pronation. Additionally, shoes for IT Band Syndrome usually stiff soles for activities such as running.

Best Arch Supports for IT Band Syndrome

We have a wide variety of arch supports for IT Band Syndrome that fit into a wide variety of casual, athletic, and dress shoes.

The best arch support for IT Band Syndrome will have good shock absorption, control pronation, and evenly distribute pressure across the foot. This helps take the pressure off your knees and reduce the pain associated with IT Band Syndrome. We have over the counter arch supports and custom molded orthotics which helps reduce the pain associated with IT Band Syndrome. Make an appointment today with a specialist to find out which IT Band Syndrome arch support is best for you!

Where to buy arch supports and shoes for it band syndrome

At Lucky Feet Shoes, we carry a wide variety of arch supports and shoes for it band syndrome online and in Southern California. We fit customers with arch supports and shoes for it band syndrome in Orange County, Inland Empire, Riverside, Temecula and Los Angeles County. Our stores in Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, San Dimas, Anaheim Hills, Temecula, Upland, Palm Desert, Redlands, and Long Beach. We invite you to stop by for a free foot analysis and try our arch supports and shoes for it band syndrome. In addition, we have a large selection of comfort shoes, wide shoes, walking shoes, running shoes, arch supports, and custom orthotics!

Come visit one of our locations today!

How is IT Band Syndrome caused?

During a normal gait cycle, the upper and lower legs rotate in unison. When the foot overpronates, the lower leg locks into the foot. Then, the legs begin to counter rotate. As a result, the upper and lower legs cause a shearing force to occur and the IT band is torqued and stretched. Consequently, the end of the band rubs across and is irritated by the lower portion of the upper leg.

In addition, ITBS can also be a result from training habits, anatomical abnormalities, or muscular imbalances:

Training habits: Always Running on a banked surface (such as the shoulder of a road or an indoor track) bends the downhill leg slightly inward and causes extreme stretching of the band against the femur Inadequate warm-up or cool-down Excessive up-hill and down-hill running In cycling, having the feet “toed-in” to an excessive angle Running up and down stairs Hiking long distances Rowing Abnormalities in leg/feet anatomy: High or low arches Supination of the foot Excessive lower leg rotation due to over-pronation The force at the knee when the foot strikes Uneven leg length Bowlegs or tightness about the IT band Muscle imbalance: Weak hip abductor muscles Weak/non-firing multifidus muscle