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Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome Treatment in Raleigh & Cary, NC
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (IT Band Syndrome) is one of the most common causes of outer knee pain in runners, cyclists, and active adults. At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics in Raleigh and Cary, NC, we specialize in nonsurgical treatment of IT band syndrome, including advanced regenerative treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and Shockwave Therapy to help patients heal faster and return to activity without surgery.
The iliotibial band (IT band) is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the hip and pelvis down the outside of the thigh and attaches to the outer knee (tibia). As the knee bends and straightens, the IT band slides across a small bony prominence on the outer knee called the lateral femoral epicondyle.
When this tissue becomes tight, inflamed, or overused, the repeated friction can cause IT Band Syndrome, leading to pain on the outside of the knee.
This condition is especially common in:
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Runners
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Cyclists
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Soccer players
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Hiking and endurance athletes
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Individuals who recently increased training intensity
Without proper treatment, IT band syndrome can become chronic and limit athletic performance and daily activity.
Advanced IT Band Syndrome Treatment in Raleigh and Cary
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, we focus on treating the root cause of IT band inflammation rather than simply masking symptoms with medications or steroid injections.
Our treatment approach often combines regenerative medicine and advanced therapies designed to stimulate healing of the irritated tissue.
Shockwave Therapy for IT Band Syndrome
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a highly effective treatment for chronic IT band pain and tendon irritation.
Shockwave therapy works by:
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Increasing blood flow to the injured tissue
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Stimulating the body’s natural healing response
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Breaking up chronic scar tissue and inflammation
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Reducing pain and improving mobility
Most patients receive a series of 3 shockwave treatments spaced about a week apart.
Many athletes experience significant improvement within weeks.
PRP Injections for IT Band Syndrome
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) uses a concentration of the patient’s own platelets to accelerate healing in injured tissue.
During a PRP procedure:
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A small amount of blood is drawn.
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The platelets are concentrated using a specialized centrifuge.
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The PRP is precisely injected into the injured IT band under ultrasound guidance.
PRP contains powerful growth factors that help:
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Reduce inflammation
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Repair microscopic tendon damage
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Improve tissue strength and recovery
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Speed return to activity
PRP is particularly helpful for chronic IT band syndrome that has not responded to rest, therapy, or traditional treatments.
Combining Shockwave Therapy and PRP for Faster Healing
For more persistent cases, we often combine shockwave therapy with PRP injections to create a comprehensive healing program.
This approach can:
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Improve healing response
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Reduce recovery time
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Help patients avoid surgery
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Allow athletes to return to training safely
Many patients see substantial improvement within 6–12 weeks.
Why Patients Choose Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics
Patients throughout Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and the Triangle area come to our clinic for advanced nonsurgical orthopedic care.
Our practice focuses on:
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Regenerative orthopedics
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PRP injections
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Shockwave therapy
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Ultrasound-guided procedures
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Treating sports injuries without surgery
Our goal is simple: keep patients active and help them return to the activities they love.
IT Band Pain Treatment Near You
If you are experiencing outer knee pain from running, cycling, or exercise, you may have iliotibial band syndrome.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, we provide advanced IT band treatment in Raleigh and Cary, NC, including PRP injections and shockwave therapy to help the tissue heal naturally.
Early treatment can prevent chronic pain and get you back to running, sports, and an active lifestyle.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ILIOTIBIAL BAND SYNDROME
As with most orthopedic conditions, patients will often begin with a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, ice and rest (and in some cases, steroid injections).
When these methods are no longer effective, Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics offers the latest in cutting-edge treatments to reduce pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Some of these innovative alternatives to surgery include Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine treatments, such as:
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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Use your own platelets to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
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Prolotherapy: Uses dextrose (sugar water) in place of steroid to reduce pain and promote healing.
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Shockwave: A non-invasive therapy that uses impulses to treat chronic pain and repair tissue.
See the full list of conditions and treatments offered at Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics.
READ MORE ABOUT IT BAND PAIN
Iliotibial Band (IT Band) syndrome is an overuse injury resulting from the inflammation of the Iliotibial band. The IT Band is a tough group of fibers that begins at the iliac crest of hip and runs along the outside of the thigh, where it attaches to the outer side of the shin bone just below the knee joint. Its function is to coordinate with the thigh muscles and provide stability for the knee joint. IT Band syndrome occurs when the iliotibial band and and the lower outside portion of the thigh bone at the knee joint rub against each other. It commonly occurs in athletes such as cyclists and runners. Iliotibial band syndrome can occur from quickly increasing distances with running or biking type activities. Other predisposing factors associated with the injury include running on uneven surfaces, wearing improper fitting shoes, uneven leg length, muscle imbalance, over pronation of the foot, and bowed legs. The average jogger strikes their foot against the ground 3,000 times per mile. This adds up to 60,000 foot impacts for every twenty miles. While running you only have one foot on the ground at a time, and when walking, 30 percent of the time both feet are on the ground. When running, the force of landing has been estimated to be about three times your body weight. This means that if you weigh 150 pounds, the force in your leg when you land is around 450 pounds. Shoe mileage should also be considered. After 500 miles most shoes retain less than 60% of their initial shock absorption capacity. When cycling, with each pedaling stroke, the iliotibial band slides over the lateral femoral epicondyle. Knee flexion and extension occur approximately 4800 times an hour (at an average cadence of 80 revolutions per minute), so the iliotibial band is susceptible to repetitive irritation. The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation and to relieve the pain. Some initial IT Band Syndrome treatment options may include: Rest: Allow the joint to rest to reduce the inflammation. Do not run or participate in any physical activity that may worsen the pain. Ice application: Ice packs should be applied to the site of injury which will help to diminish swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin. Medications: Your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain and swelling. Foam Roller Myofascial Release: A foam roller is used underneath the tight iliotibial band to loosen it. Although this is painful, it is one of the most useful stretches to relieve the tissues. Physical therapy: Physiotherapists will teach stretching exercises and techniques to loosen the tight structures, and help strengthen the iliotibial band and the surrounding muscles. Once these treatment options are no longer effective, it's the right time to seek care from an experienced orthopedic specialist who can suggest other non-surgical and cutting-edge treatments to try. Please contact Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics at 919-719-2270 to schedule a consult with one of our providers.
WHY CAROLINA
NONSURGICAL ORTHOPEDICS
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All Providers are BOARD CERTIFIED and Specially Trained in Nonsurgical Orthopedics
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Over 50,000+ and Counting Procedures Performed
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Procedures Performed with Ultrasound Guidance for Accuracy and Safety
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Local and Independent Practice That is NOT a Franchise
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Discounts for Service Members, Teachers, and Public Servants
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Serving Raleigh Since 2013