IT band syndrome after knee replacement

I’ve only just found this board, happening upon it, while doing a google search. I’ll need to take the time to read everything, but thought it might be helpful to share what, so far, I’ve learned. I’ve had an IT band + issue.

I had knee replacement surgery in late July, and while the bend of my knee and mobilization was incredible — they’d never seen anything like it, there was awful pain while lying in bed, attempting the knee ‘slide’ exercise... Something would feel like it was catching — which could be detected by hand — and the pain would drive you through the roof.

Moving on to outpatient PT, however, thankfully, it was suggested not to aggravate it, so slides and some squats — basically any exercise that exacerbated it — were stopped. So, my movement really progressed forward. Soon, I could go up the stairs, too, as well as walk outside with hills, etc.. (Initially, coming down hills would aggravate things...)

While the PT thought it had to be my shortened IT band — I’d been knock-kneed for about three years — I’d learned thru research that the fibula bone in the lower knee, too, was involved. With manipulations by a D.O., whom I’d happened to be seeing, fortunately, for an hip “upslipped innominate” which, also, interfered with walking — everything that happens to be seems to be rare — he noticed that my fibula (we’ve two bones in our lower leg bone) which usually should slip freely back and forth, had resistance moving posteriorly. He mentioned a procedure I could share with PT which might help with that.

More research, however, revealed there was a strapping procedure which could be done — that I shared with both the PT and the D.O — that would help hold the fibula into that posterior pocket. The video had shown that, over time with disuse, the pocket could have filled up with scar tissue, keeping the fibula from being able to slide back-and-forth freely.

It worked! No longer would I feel the pain the the outside, lower knee pocket, when going downhill. Taped, instantly, I had no pain. Without it, I’d struggle, frequently. With repeated tapings, over time, the fibula would move ever more freely. On last exam, it was found that the pocket seems to be open, allowing full freedom of movement. And I have nary any pings of pain in that outer knee area, with normal walking. However, if I try to do a slide, Strangely, as originally, or descend stairs, the pain returns. And here I’d thought, mechanically, the pain might have been due to the tight IT band trying to slip over the fibula, when it had been held, unnaturally, always forward.

Which is what has me researching patellar tendon knee straps, today, so I can apply them myself. Researching those, though, I’ve learned about the IT band syndrome which can follow knee replacement surgery, in addition to being a runner’s knee. My new goal, now, will be to learn more about this syndrome. But I thought it might be helpful to those who might be happening the same front side, outer lower pain that I did, to become aware of the fibula, the taping and how it might help. Three months on, now, it’s time for me to be focusing on descending stairs...

I’d be nowhere near where I am in totally natural movement — with the exception of that slide and descending stairs — if I hadn’t discovered this technique. Hoping some may find it helpful...

Linda

@collielady @tanner82 I am wondering how you are getting on now and if your problems are resolved yet. I had my knee replacement on 17th Dec 2018 and have a sharp pain on the upper outside of my knee when I bend it. It feels very stiff there as well when I bend it to walk and catches at about 30 degrees which makes me walk with a straight leg. I think I have Iliotibial Band Syndrome, i have an appointment with my physiotherapist on Monday. I have been doing all the stretches and exercises recommended but no improvement.
Has anyone had surgery to resolve this problem or got any other tips please?

I had a total knee replacement Sept 30, 2019. During my in-hospital therapy & subsequent therapy, I was told I was doing fantastic. I could bend my knee 30+% and that seemed to be the focus. After about a week, I started with severe pain on the outer side of my knee when I bent it. It felt like it caught on something & just took my breath away. My ortho doc & PTs all thought it would go away, but it’s getting worse. I’ve had cortisone injections in the joint outer side of my knee where the IT band is & at the top of the IT band; both with no relief. Is doing stretches, heat, ice, pain gels & roller treatment all with no relief. I just had a nerve block @ L3,4 & 5, with no relief. My ortho doc thought I might get relief if it was an impingement on my sciatic nerve. No help. I am looking for anyone who has experienced this after your knee replacement & what you have done for relief.

Has anyone had trouble with their IT bands being tight and causing pain after TKR? I had right TKR in October 2018. Now I’m getting ready to have TKR on my left knee. My right knee continues to hurt but my surgeon says there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. All I can think is that my IL bands need stretching. Any comments?

Has anyone had trouble with their IT bands being tight and causing pain after TKR? I had right TKR in October 2018. Now I’m getting ready to have TKR on my left knee. My right knee continues to hurt but my surgeon says there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. All I can think is that my IL bands need stretching. Any comments?

Has anyone had trouble with their IT bands being tight and causing pain after TKR? I had right TKR in October 2018. Now I’m getting ready to have TKR on my left knee. My right knee continues to hurt but my surgeon says there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. All I can think is that my IL bands need stretching. Any comments?

Hello, I am new to this group and looking for other's experience with sudden pain on the lateral aspect just above the knee. I can feel the tendon slide or click over the bone. This happens without warning and is excruciating but lasts just a second. I am five weeks out of surgery. My PT says it is due to the IT band. Is there any solution besides rolling it or arthroscopy to release it?? I'm disheartened to say the least. Thank you for any comments.