Lateral knee pain in distance runner (iliotibial band syndrome)
Recommended: Clinical diagnosis; MRI Knee for atypical / refractory cases is an acceptable imaging study for lateral knee pain in distance runner (iliotibial band syndrome). Friction at lateral femoral epicondyle.
Recommended study
Clinical diagnosis; MRI Knee for atypical / refractory cases
Friction at lateral femoral epicondyle. Treatment is primarily conservative.
If the default doesn't apply
Atypical or coexisting pathology
MRI
MRI Knee
No contrast
Watch-outs
Distinguish from lateral meniscus tear
Mechanism (runners) + focal lateral epicondyle tenderness — clinical exam more useful than MRI.
Pearls
- MRI: fluid signal between ITB and lateral femoral epicondyle.
- Common in long-distance runners, cyclists; biomechanical factors (weak hip abductors).
- Treatment: activity modification, foam rolling, hip strengthening, ITB stretching.