What's That Clicking Noise in My Knee?

 You’re suddenly hearing a clicking or popping sound in your knee when you exercise. You know that’s not normal. You may also feel a burning or aching pain on the outside of your knee. 

Those are the signs that it’s time for a visit to an orthopedic specialist. You may have iliotibial band syndrome. 

Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine provide prompt diagnosis and treatment of your musculoskeletal injury. 

What is iliotibial band syndrome? 

Your iliotibial band is a long, tough band of tissue that functions as both a tendon and a ligament. As a tendon, it connects muscle to bone, and as a ligament, it provides stability to your knee joint. 

It’s commonly known as your IT band and extends from the top of your hip to the top of your tibia, or shinbone. 

If the IT band is too tight, it becomes irritated. In fact, it can swell and become painful. You hear a click when you move your knee. The outside of your knee may even feel warm when you touch it. When that happens, it is called iliotibial band syndrome.

Who’s at risk for iliotibial band syndrome?

 Are you a runner, long-distance hiker, cycler, basketball player, or frequent skier? Athletes who use repetitive motions of the knee are at increased risk of developing IT band syndrome. It’s an overuse injury. 

If you’re a runner, perhaps you’re training for a race and you’ve increased your distance recently. Maybe you’re running on an uneven surface, such as the edge of a paved road that curves downward from the middle point. Running down hills frequently can also strain your IT band. 

If you’re not an athlete, other factors can increase your risk for IT band irritation. Tight hip muscles and weak gluteal muscles increase stress on your IT band. 

Your gait can also increase your risk for IT band irritation. For example, if you roll your foot inward too much when you’re walking (overpronation), you have a higher risk of IT band syndrome. 

Knee arthritis, bowed knees, and disparate leg lengths are additional factors that heighten your risk for this condition. 

Treatment for iliotibial band syndrome

We treat IT band syndrome with a multimodal approach. You’ll need to rest your leg to allow the inflammation to resolve. We may administer a cortisone injection if you’re in severe pain when you come in for your appointment. 

We may prescribe physical therapy to help you regain range of motion and strength in your leg. 

We show you stretches and exercises to add to your regular exercise routine to help strengthen your leg muscles and lessen tension in your IT band. We also focus on posture training to ensure that your posture isn’t contributing to your condition. 

For all of your musculoskeletal concerns, call Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or request an appointment through our online portal. We help get you moving again.