Iliotibial band syndrome in distance runners.

Iliotibial band syndrome was diagnosed in 48 of 1030 runners treated for lower extremity musculoskeletal complaints. Most athletes had been running 20 to 40 miles a week for one year or longer and had significantly changed their distance, speed, terrain, surface, and/or shoes before the onset of symptoms. Symptoms often persisted for 2 to 6 months. All runners were treated conservatively with rest, stretching, reduced distance, anti-inflammatory medications, local cortisone injections and/or orthoses.