Tendon Pain FAQ

The iliotibial band (ITB) or tract is a lateral thickening of the fascia lata in the thigh. Proximally it splits into superficial and deep layers, enclosing tensor fasciae latae and anchoring this muscle to the iliac crest. It also receives most of the tendon of gluteus maximus. ITB friction syndrome is an overuse injury well recognized as a common cause of lateral knee pain (the outside of the knee).

Also known as iliotibial band friction syndrome, ITBS is a common cause of lateral knee pain. This syndrome is said to be an overuse injury, arising from friction of the iliotibial tract over the femoral epicondyle at the knee, causing painful chronic inflammation. The condition is typically seen in young and physically active people due to intense physical activity, such as long distance running or cycling.

Recent research has suggested that the iliotibial tract does not roll over the femoral epicondyle in an anterior-posterior manner. Instead medial compression of the tract against the epicondyle occurs and thus the aetiology of ITBS may in fact be fat compression under the tract, rather than repetitive friction inducing inflammation.

Ostenil Tendon is licensed for peri-tendinous and intra-sheath infiltration. It should not be injected into the tendon or ligament body tissue directly, rather, it is injected between the body of the tendon and the sheath or gap in which it is located. It acts as a lubricant, allowing congruent tissue surfaces to move smoothly across one another, and also as an anti-inflammatory agent. By separating any adhesions that may be present between tissue surfaces, it allows a restoration of normal function, which relieves pain and often restores normal Range of Motion. However, unlike a corticosteroid, it does not exert any deleterious effects on the tissues it comes into contact with, and does not have any effect on immune response.

If the clinician detects any localised adhesion or tethering of the ITB with surrounding tissue, and if there are inflammatory signs or signals, then an Ostenil Tendon, delivered via guided visualisation (Ultrasound) may be considered. The response to the injection is gradual, and training regime or exertion should be thoroughly discussed with the patient following the injection.