Abstract des Autors

Thirty-six long-distance runners suffering from iliotibial band friction syndrome were treated and followed for at least one year. Treatment consisted of icing, stretching, changing to soft running shoes that were modified to correct leg-length discrepancies and increase pronation at the ankle, running on soft surfaces, avoiding downhill and sidehill running, and temporarily decreasing mileage. Most subjects (58) were symptom-free within three weeks, and 83 were symptom-free within six months. The authors identified several etiological factors (inadequate or excessive pronation and hard running surfaces and shoes) and concluded that leg-length discrepancies may not contribute to iliotibial band friction syndrome. They suggest conservative treatment, reserving hydrocortisone injections, orthoses, and surgery for resistant cases. Verf.-Referat