Lateral knee pain refers to the pain at the outside of the knee. It occurs quite often at distance runners and cyclists. ITB friction syndrome is one of the most common causes behind it. Other reasons include lateral meniscus abnormality, osteoarthritis, etc.

ITB is a thick fibrous structure with its origin combining gluteus maximus and Tensor Fascia Lata at the outside of the pelvis, travelling along the outside of thigh to end at top of the tibia (shin bone). As the name of “friction syndrome” indicated, there is a friction between ITB and lower part of the femur (thigh bone) during activities such as running and cycling. Patients usually feel quite tight or painful at the side of the thigh, and persistent during activities. Palpation shows tender spots along the ITB line, especially at the friction point which is close to the knee cap. Further check always reveals tightness of gluteus maximus and Tensor Fascia Lata above ITB.

Interestingly, based on acupuncture theory, Gall Bladder meridian goes through the outside of the thigh, being similar to ITB line. Clinically, acupuncture points along the course of Gall Bladder meridian always are always very helpful in relieving the tension of ITB. Massage techniques such as gliding and friction are always applied in related treatment.

There is no doubt that reasons for lateral knee pain vary, as stated earlier. Careful examination by an experienced practitioner is always important for making a clear diagnosis.