Runners Knee / Ilio-Tibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBFS)
The Iliotibial Band is a long band of fascia that runs from the outside of the hip, along the outer thigh and to the side of the knee. Ilio-Tibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBFS) occurs when an overly tight Iliotibial Band rubs on the outer part of the knee and causes the fascial band to become inflamed through over-friction.
Also, between the IT Band and the bony outer knee lies a bursa, (a lubricated pad which is there to help prevent over-friction of the IT Band as mentioned above), which can become entrapped by the IT Band and become inflamed itself.
Symptoms
ITBFS is characterised by pain, tenderness and swelling on the outer part of the knee and thigh. It is generally aggravated by movement of the knee, and relieved by knee inactivity.
Causes
ITBFS is generally considered to be an overuse condition; so a repetitive activity like running is commonly related.
Repetitive loading of the knee, e.g. running or cycling
Abnormal foot biomechanics, e.g. flat feet
Incorrect footwear
Weak pelvic hip muscles, e.g. Gluteus Medius
When I was training to be a yoga teacher, one of the 6 purification techniques taught to us was Jala Neti ( also called Neti or Jaaneti). Purification techniques are sometimes performed as a way of preparing the body for a yoga practice. Whenever the neti pots came out, I disappeared, always needing to be somewhere else at that moment in time… I had many techniques to avoid it: the bathroom, the water fountain, the shop, anything but the Net. Pouring a saline solution up my hooter was really not for me and I have avoided it right up to today. I have got a steaming cold and, as a result, I now have sinus pain, so I have decided to give it another go. Talk about waiting until your back is against the wall! I rushed to the Sivanada yoga studio nearby and bought myself a ceramic neti pot and salt. I had to follow the one photographic image as the instructions were in German!!! Although I did not find it as unpleasant as some people describe, it was not as bad as I remembered. So I will us
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