Help! IT band syndrome 😦😦: I have been running... - Couch to 5K

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Help! IT band syndrome 😦😦

Lstace profile image
Lstace
β€’21 Replies

I have been running with no pain at all, but on the last 2 runs I have started to notice a pain at the top and outside of my left knee. I also get a burning pain in my thigh which gets worse after 5-10 minutes of running and then I just have to stop.

I'm fine when I'm walking and for the first few minutes of the run and have been told I have it band syndrome.

Has anyone else suffered with this and what do I do now?? I was told pilates would be good but I don't want to make anything worse.

I'm so gutted and downbeat now, I feel like my running days and graduation are over😒

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Lstace
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mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

I had a knee problem after the first couple of runs I made a mistake by carrying on regardless. Like all brave (or stupid) man do, through the pain. Then I spent the next three months getting to know my new osteopath and a physio, and not running at all. I don't know what happened to your knee but it would be a good idea to have it checked before putting new pressure on it. My mistakes were inadequate, cheap shoes and pushing myself hard. I rectified it by having the gait analysis done, getting a pair of shoes that fit me perfectly, strength exercises - and getting great advise from this forum. In any case, trust your body first, if there's pain where you think there should not be any, go and see someone.

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate

Ouch!

Who has diagnosed you? If its a GP or a physio then I follow the advice they have given you to the letter and you will soon get you back on-track.

However, if it is neither of these and just a 'more experienced' runner than you, then I suggest you see your GP to make sure the diagnosis is correct. Only then, can treatment be advised.

Lstace profile image
Lstaceβ€’ in reply toWhatsapp

Spoke to my doctor but he wasn't very helpful, just told me not to run anymore and do pilates??? I don't have the money for a physio so I was hoping for a referral maybe? Not sure what to do now??

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduateβ€’ in reply toLstace

Others will be along with greater knowledge on the subject than me. I just wanted to make sure you had been given qualified advice. I share your frustration with GPs - they are the gatekeepers to proper medical attention and if they aren't in the mood to listen, you get nowhere.

Lstace profile image
Lstaceβ€’ in reply toWhatsapp

My surgery is usually so good, but maybe I got the back lash of a bad day? I'm going to try again and hopefully get a referral. Thanks so much for the support, it definitely helps 😊

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduateβ€’ in reply toLstace

Your doctor should send you to a physio, no reason to pay, we are talking your health here. I used ice packs and pain killers and, obviously, stopped running during that time. All is fine with me now and there is no reason why you should not run again, complete and enjoy this course. Please note that I am only speaking through my personal experience and I have no second thoughts when asking for another opinion from another GP. Trust your body, you know better than anyone how you feel.

Lstace profile image
Lstaceβ€’ in reply tomrrun

Thank you! Yes I going to get another opinion and hope they listen and help!

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate

Oh no, hope you get this sorted out soon. I have no idea what it could be, or why it's turned up so suddenly. Get it checked out as soon as possible. 😊

Do you remember the ache I had down my left leg during my 10,000 steps a day in June and through the first couple of runs of the C25K? That lasted for a couple of weeks, but I don't know if it was the constant power walking having not done much exercise previously. It disappeared after though. Let's hope yours will ease and finally go x

Lstace profile image
Lstaceβ€’ in reply toquirkybee

I remember you having trouble😦 I can't believe how well I was going! Fingers crossed I can get it sorted and get back on track! X

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

I've had this and it took me out of running for three months! You need to get a proper diagnosis from a sports physio who will give you exercises and, more importantly, tell you how what caused it in the first place and how to fix it. Mine was caused by a slight pronation of my left foot which put pressure on the ITB which put pressure on the knee. Coupled with a wonky pelvis ☹️

The cure is rest from running, stretching, strengthening exercises for the glutes (ITB can come from weak glutes) and regular massage. A foam roller works wonders but learn how to use it properly through YouTube videos or ask a professional (physio, sports massage therapist, etc).

You can't stretch the ITB but you can stretch the area around it. Ask Mrs Google for some examples. I also use a golf ball or tennis ball to massage my ITB and this helps a lot. Sit on the floor with one leg crossed and place the ball between your outer thigh and the floor. Then, wriggle around until you feel a tight spot (it'll hurt πŸ˜–) and hold it there until the pain subsides, then move on to a different part of your leg.

This is fixable so you will get back to running but the key now is don't ignore it, get it sorted and follow the experts' advice.

Pilates is great to do anyway but I wouldn't say it helped my ITB problem.

Keep the faith. You'll run again πŸƒπŸƒπŸƒ

Lstace profile image
Lstaceβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

Thank you so much, it's nice to hear from people who have suffered and recovered!

I think I'll go back to another gp and try again, hopefully, coupled with all of your advice they will listen and refer me!

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

To be honest my GP wasn't too sympathetic either, hence me going elsewhere. That time I simply told her that I could not afford to take time off work due to that injury and I was sent to a very good physio. Sadly, the first doctor reacted similarly when I mentioned running, and suggested swimming instead (which I do anyway). Oh well. Don't give up, that is the main thing. You will get there in the end and will be running again :)

I had this a few years ago. Not from running. Classic sign apparently is pain on the outside of the knee that is worse going down steps than up. See a physio. Go back to the GP and ask to be referred. Prepare to wait unless you are lucky enough to live somewhere that makes it easy.

Do not do what I did and take painkillers then go for a long walk. Made it much worse. This is pain that is telling you to stop.

My physio didn't just diagnose but also told me the reason and the stretches to prevent it. But while you wait I think it's stop running and stretching.

Lstace profile image
Lstaceβ€’ in reply to

Yes, I'm wondering what an average price of physio is in case Im waiting forever!

Not sure. Mine was a while ago. Waiting times vary for NHS. My area it's a couple of months. Other places have made a real effort to make it quicker because it's better if people can get treatment quickly. Depending on what you need you might not need loads of appointments. The main thing I got was stretches to do myself at home plus advice on using a foam roller.

Slinkymalinki profile image
SlinkymalinkiGraduate

Hi, sorry to hear you have knee problems. I occasionally do as I have bits missing from an old ski injury but have had more issues with shins. I pay about Β£30 for 1 hour with a sports physio but it is so worth it & I just don't bother with the doc for the same reasons. The physio will be able to tell you exactly what the problem is & as others have said it is often the result of other weaker areas. They will give you exercises & massage out the pain. Even if you just have one session, I think you will benefit from the advice & pain relief. Also, the lady I see is a runner herself & full of good tips & encouragement. Good luck!

Lstace profile image
Lstaceβ€’ in reply toSlinkymalinki

Thank you so much Slinkymalinki for the advice, it's so nice to hear from others who have been here and got over it! I think I'll find a local physio and book an appointment 😊

Abergrad profile image
Abergrad

I have been having pain in my legs and I think it's cause my running shoes are over 2 years old. I had not used them much but they have lost their ability to absorb the shock I think!

I stopped running for now as I also have a long walk coming up so need to be fit. But I found that a sports massage was agony but helped a lot!

Lstace profile image
Lstaceβ€’ in reply toAbergrad

Yes I think a physio appointment is the way to go, also might try some gentle swimming to maintain fitness!

pelicanmike profile image
pelicanmike

Having read all the replies i am amazed nobody has mentioned kt tape * (kttape.com).

I had IT band issues not long after i graduated c25K and it got to the point I couldn't run for 50m let alone 5km, this was 2 months before my first half marathon.

By luck i read an article on the tape whilst sitting in my doctors surgery and promptly went and got some (and learned how to apply it).

The upshot is the pain was massively reduced and this together with performing the stretches designed to stretch the IT band means I haven't had the problem for over two years.

All of the other advice about properly fitted shoes etc are extremely important but for me the tape was the difference between sitting idle or still being able to run

*other kinesiology tapes are available, but this is the brand i prefer.

Lstace profile image
Lstace

Thanks pelicanmike I didn't know about this so it's worth looking in to! I'm waiting for an appointment with a physio but in the meantime I'll check it out!πŸ‘

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