Accurate diagnosis of iliotibial band syndrome begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment. Your orthopaedic specialist (a doctor who specialises in bone, joint, and muscle conditions) will review your symptoms, activity history, and any relevant medical background. The examination includes several key aspects:
- Pain location assessment: ITBS typically presents with pain precisely over the lateral femoral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outer side of your knee), just above the knee joint line.
- Provocative testing: Tests like the Noble compression test and Ober’s test help confirm the diagnosis.
- Biomechanical evaluation: Your specialist assesses hip strength, flexibility, foot posture, and, when relevant, running gait.
- Functional assessment: Your doctor observes movements that reproduce symptoms, such as single-leg squats or stair climbing.