The gluteal muscles and the tensor fascia lata muscle attach to the top, and the lower part attaches to the tibia, just below the knee. It functions primarily as a stabilizer during running and can become irritated from overuse. Runners will usually describe pain on the outside part of the knee or lower thigh, often worsened by going up or down stairs, or getting out of a car. Predisposing factors for the development of IT band inflammation include training error and abnormal biomechanics. Some runners make the mistake of only running on one side of the road.
Most roads are higher in the center and slope off on either side.
The foot that is on the outside part of the road is therefore lower than the other. This causes the pelvis to tilt to one side and stresses the IT band. Tight gluteal or quadriceps muscles may also contribute. Video tape analysis is a great tool for uncovering biomechanical problems. Treatment consists of relative rest, ice massage, addressing any biomechanical or training errors, and gentle stretching .