Suzie Trains Maui BLOG

Aloha, I’d like to introduce Clay Everline MD, a new Maui resident and Board Certified in Sports Medicine and Internal Medicine.  He has so kindly offered to share his expertise in all realms of sports medicine with Suzie Trains Maui. He is a true waterman. Thanks Clay for your contribution!

Suzie

Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is an overuse problem that is often seen in bicyclists, runners, and long-distance walkers. Personally, it has been noted while Backcountry Skiing and Stand-Up Paddling (SUP). Many people ask me what causes pain on the outside of the knee just above the knee joint. It is ITB syndrome and it can be problematic. The discomfort may be so intense as to discourage you from participating in the often long and rewarding sessions of SUP and other endeavors. So what can be done about it?

Ice massage is one of the best initial therapies for ITB syndrome. Hold a cube of ice in a napkin and massage the inflamed area until the cube has melted. It could take up to 20 minutes. Do this 1-2 times daily. A Cho-Pat strap or similar compression tape may prevent overstretching and inflammation,  but ultimately it comes down to adjusting biomechanics and muscle balance. The following exercises should help as well:

• Iliotibial band stretch: Standing: Cross one leg in front of the other leg and bend down and touch your toes. You can move your hands across the floor toward the front leg and you will feel more stretch on the outside of your thigh on the other side. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat 3 times. Reverse the positions of your legs and repeat.
• Iliotibial band stretch: Side-leaning: Stand sideways near a wall. Place one hand on the wall for support. Cross the leg farthest from the wall over the other leg, keeping the foot closest to the wall flat on the floor. Lean your hips into the wall. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds, repeat 3 times, and then switch legs and repeat the exercise another 3 times.
• Standing calf stretch: Facing a wall, put your hands against the wall at about eye level. Keep one leg back with the heel on the floor, and the other leg forward. Turn your back foot slightly inward (as if you were pigeon-toed) as you slowly lean into the wall until you feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times and then switch the position of your legs and repeat the exercise 3 times. Do this several times each day.
• Hamstring stretch on wall: Lie on your back with your buttocks close to a doorway, and extend your legs straight out in front of you along the floor. Raise one leg and rest it against the wall next to the door frame. Your other leg should extend through the doorway. You should feel a stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times and then switch legs and do the exercise again.
• Quadriceps stretch: Stand an arm’s length away from the wall with your injured leg farthest from the wall. Facing straight ahead, brace yourself by keeping one hand against the wall. With your other hand, grasp the ankle of your injured leg and pull your heel toward your buttocks. Don’t arch or twist your back. Keep your knees together. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Continue reading Stand Up Paddling and Iliotibial Band ITB Syndrome