The knee injury is one of the most common injuries among runners and cyclists. This injury occurs when there is an irrigation on the outer lateral region of the knee caused by repeated friction between the tendon of the iliotibial band and the lateral epicondyle of the femur. The pain can also spread through the lateral region of the thigh and even the hip. Pain may initially be mild and go up in intensity over the time and kilometers to make us stop.
Causes of the appearance of the syndrome:
Cyclists: Excessive internal rotation of the guarantors of the bicycle and a seat too high
Runners:
- Run downhill or running at low speed because the knee tends to be less bent when the foot hits the ground
- Running on hard surfaces
- Inadequate or worn shoes
- Limb differences or misalignment of the lower extremities and foot
- The long distance runners suffer more than the short distance or sprinters
Treatment: Is usually conservative and requires anti-inflammatory medication, local cold after the activity, relative rest or decrease the intensity of training, massage, physiotherapy, stretching and enhancer of the affected limb. Local infiltrations with corticosteroids it may be indicated in patients who do not respond to stretching, physiotherapy and exercise modification. Prevention Learning proper training techniques, using right shoes, avoiding uneven terrain and slopes greater than 20% , increasing mileage and weight lifting gradually, and when lifting weight do small increments each day
Prevention: Learning proper training techniques, using right shoes, avoiding uneven terrain and slopes greater than 20% , increasing mileage and weight lifting gradually, and when lifting weight do small increments each day potenciacion quadriceps and hamstrings,hips and buttocks. Stretching of the iliotibial band.
Dr Enrique Mas Prieto, Medico Especialista en Medicina del Deporte, Clinica Savlum
