The tibial iliac tract, which connects the knee and the pelvic bone in the form of a fascia, receives sufficient stress during movement. The tension of PBT is especially high among athletes.
For this reason, and not only, can develop the syndrome of the iliac tibial tract. This disease is a common condition often found in runners and cyclists.
If you experience pain in the knee joint, above it and on the outer surface of the thigh, you should urgently consult a doctor. Then it will be possible to dispense with conservative treatment and avoid surgery.
The tibial tract - what is it?
The volumetric fascia that runs on the outside of the thigh is the tibial ileal tract. This fairly strong connective tissue from above is attached to the ilium of the pelvis.
Below, the fascia fibers are connected to the tibia, as well as the lateral part of the patella. With the help of PBT, the lower limb is stabilized. Thanks to this connecting fascia, the leg does not turn inward.
Tibial tract syndrome - what is it?
PBT syndrome is a disease of the knee joint. Athletes and people leading an active lifestyle are more likely to suffer from this disease. That is, such a pathology affects people who create an increased load on the ankle and hip.
In track and field stayers, the tibial tract syndrome is equated with an occupational disease. But even ordinary people, SPBT can not escape. The disease develops even in someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle.
Causes of PBT syndrome
This condition of the iliac tibial tract can occur due to friction of the PBT fascia against the external epicondyle of the thigh. Such friction naturally occurs when a person is in motion. However, the painful condition should provoke additional conditions.
For instance:
- O-shaped view of the lower limbs;
- intense rotation of the lower leg when a person is running or just walking.
Other causes of the syndrome:
- Incorrectly built training schedule (unsystematic, irregular - once a week).
- Excessive tension, overload of the legs.
- Improper warm-up.
- Upward slope movement in case of 30 degree knee bend.
- Unreasonably long stay in the "Lotus" position.
- Weakness of the muscle tissue of the legs.
- Excessive tension in PBT.
- Insufficient physical fitness.
In addition, experts advise changing the running route - training on the same path for a long time can provoke the appearance of the tibial tract syndrome.
Symptoms of PBT syndrome
The most basic manifestation of the tibial tract syndrome is pain.
Places of his appearance:
- the outer surface of the knee (frontal);
- the hip joint (from the outside).
Most of the pain is felt in movement, more often when running. Happens, but less often, when walking. After rest, the person feels relief. In the acute form of the tibial tract syndrome, the painful condition no longer goes away after rest, when the body is at rest. The place of pain is characterized by "spilliness", the patient points to the entire knee joint, its outer surface.
Diagnosis of the disease
To diagnose the syndrome of the iliac tibial tract, doctors perform several tests: Auber, Nobel, and others.
Aubert test
This test is easy to perform. Therefore, it can be done at home or with the help of a doctor. You need to lie on the healthy side of the body. Then bend your good leg at the knee and pull it slightly towards the body. The bend should be at a 90 degree angle.
This is how sustainability can be achieved. The diseased limb should also be bent at the knee, after which - take and lower the straightened leg. Pain will indicate the presence of PBT syndrome. It appears above the knee on the outside of the limb.
Nobel test
In case of doubts arising during the previous check, the doctor makes a Nobel test. The patient lies down on the couch. The diseased limb must be bent at the knee and pulled up to the body. The doctor, while pressing his hand on the subcondyle, slowly tries to straighten it. The diagnosis is confirmed if pain appears even with 30 degree flexion in the knee joint.
Other tests
The patient may be asked to jump on the affected limb. The knee must be slightly bent during this check. If it is impossible to perform this test, the syndrome of the iliac tibial tract is diagnosed.
Tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs are done when other knee or hip problems are suspected. For example, arthrosis or damage to the meniscus. Also, MRI will reveal possible thickening of the tract, as well as fluid accumulation.
Treatment of the disease
To alleviate the condition, a sick person needs:
- Applying ice for a quarter of an hour every two hours if he feels pain. You don't need to put ice on your skin. It is wrapped in a thin cloth or towel. All of this is done after a workout that is painful.
- Applying a bandage with a warm compress before stretching or exercise that requires exertion.
- Take a pain reliever. You can use tablets from the NSAID group or use the same ointments. Suitable Ibuprofen, Ketorol, Diclofenac, Voltaren, etc. They will relieve pain and inflammation.
- Reduce loads, distance or class time. If the pain persists, cancel the workout. You can choose swimming, as a gentle sport for the ileal tibial tract.
- Wear a brace or, as they say, a knee brace during exercise.
- Strengthen the abductors of the thigh group. It is good to start doing a set of exercises specifically designed to relieve tibial tract syndrome.
When such methods do not bring a cure, the doctor prescribes injections of Cortisol, which can stop pain and relieve swelling. The operation, as a rule, is not necessary for the majority. But sometimes only surgery can help. During the operation, the surgeon removes a part of the iliac tibial tract, possibly together with the bursa.
Rest is the main condition for elimination of PBT syndrome. As soon as improvements begin to appear, it is important not to start practicing right away. It is better to recover with the help of elliptical trainers under the supervision of an instructor.
Exercises for Tibial Tract Syndrome
Several therapeutic exercises have been developed by specialists. They strengthen the muscle tissue of the affected area, help to achieve muscle relaxation and relieve tension.
Description of exercises for tibial ileal tract syndrome:
- Step Down. To complete it, you need a platform up to 5 cm high (a book may work). One foot should be placed on the platform, the other should gradually be on the floor. Then the put leg rises to the platform. Body weight is concentrated on the supporting limb. It is necessary to make 15 movements for each leg, three sets. For two seconds, the foot should go down and the same amount rise.
- "Equilibrium". Strengthens the gluteal muscles as well as the quadriceps. This will relieve stress on the tibial tract. One leg is on the floor, the other is lifted so that the toes extend towards the body. It takes one and a half minutes to be in this position. Then do the same with the other leg. It is required first to master balancing, and then proceed to the next exercise.
- Squat. With the help of it, the load on the iliac tibial tract is reduced. You will need a surface with a height of 45 to 60 cm in height. You need to turn your back to her. Raise one leg 45 cm, straightening it. Squat while moving the center of gravity to the other limb. Keep it straight for three seconds. Pull your fingers towards you. The ascent takes three seconds. Do 15 times on each side.
- Roller massage. A massage roller is required. Starting position - lying on your side. Keep your hands in front. The roller is just below the pelvis. Within half a minute, it is necessary to roll the roller, heading along the thigh to the knee bend. The same amount back. The rolling should be smooth. If pain occurs, the exercise should be interrupted. Repeat the movement three times.
When PBT occurs, the best way to help a sore leg is to temporarily give up motor activity and give the limb complete rest. If the disease occurs only in the initial stage, the treatment will be easy and short-lived.
The main thing is to prevent the development of the syndrome to a state of continuous pain. In this case, complex and long-term treatment is indispensable. Therefore, a timely visit to the doctor will ensure the resumption of training after the end of treatment and the recovery period.
