The iliotibial band, or ITB, is the lateral part of the broad fascia that closely covers the thigh muscles. It is a strong, inelastic connective tissue structure up to approx. 6 cm wide, which begins in the pelvic area, on the iliac crest, connected by three tendon strands originating from the broad fascia tensioner muscles as well as the gluteus and gluteus muscles, which ensure the appropriate tension of the band. It then runs along the lateral surface of the thigh, attaching on the way to the roughened line of the femoral shaft, successively to the lateral epicondyle of the femur, lateral patellas and ends at the anterolateral side of the tibia condyle (the so-called Gerdi's tubercle).

The task of the iliotibial band is to inhibit the adduction movement in the hip joint and to stiffen the knee joint in an upright position. By connecting with the collateral ligament and the biceps muscle of the thigh, it provides stabilization of the knee from the outside.

Physiotherapeutic procedures in the case of a runner's knee are usually conservative and involve targeted rehabilitation. In the first stage of treatment, it is especially important to temporarily stop training or limit it to activities that do not cause ailments or introduce replacement training. Then, implement measures to control inflammation, pain and swelling in line with the RICE principle. Additionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) can be used. In the next stage, the rehabilitation procedure should be aimed at relaxing the iliotibial band and strengthening the gluteus medius muscle. It is also time to identify the biomechanical factors and training errors that caused the ailments, which is a key element in minimizing the risk of recurrence.

The main and characteristic symptoms of a runner's knee include:

- Burning, sharp pain in the side of the knee joint, in the area of ​​the lateral epicondyle of the femur or in the entire ITB area,
- diffuse pain, difficult to localize,
- ailments increase during physical activity, climbing stairs and getting up from a sitting position, and decrease during knee extension,
- discomfort occurs with every training, almost the same distance and does not cease when the effort is continued,
- swelling and redness at the site of injury
- limb function limitation.