What can I do for my IT band injuries?

Dr. Charles Preston of Golden State Orthopedics & Spine discusses ways to care for IT band injuries.
Question:
What can I do about my IT band injury?
Answer:
IT band syndrome is caused by excessive friction on the Iliotibial band and the underlying tissue due to the repetitive knee bending activity. Common in distance runners, IT band injuries are characterized by pain, tenderness and warmth at the lateral aspect of the leg. It is common to have pain that lessons as you warm up and then increases again. IT band syndrome is usually treated with ice, rest, flexibility programs and strengthening programs. Cross-training could also be an important component to your rehab.