{"id":46721,"date":"2023-02-17T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-17T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=298137"},"modified":"2023-02-17T13:34:26","modified_gmt":"2023-02-17T12:34:26","slug":"it-band-and-hip-pain-from-cycling-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/it-band-and-hip-pain-from-cycling-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"IT band and hip pain from cycling: what you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to prevent iliotibial band syndrome and free up your hips <\/p>

By Jack Evans\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 17 February 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

The hips and the IT band are common sources of pain when cycling.<\/p>\n

The iliotibial band (ITB) is a tendinous sheath of connective tissue that originates on the iliac crest (hip bone) and runs down the outside of the thigh to the lateral condyle of the tibia (outer shin).<\/p>\n

The hip consists of the ball and socket hip joint and the hip flexor <\/a>muscles, which connect to the femur (the top of the thigh bone).<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain what the IT band and hips do when we cycle and which symptoms might signal something\u2019s going wrong.<\/p>\n

Then we\u2019ll suggest how to prevent and treat IT band and hip pain from cycling.<\/p>\n

As with the most common causes of pain caused by cycling<\/a>, if you\u2019re feeling sharp pain off the bike, please seek expert advice.<\/p>\n

What is the role of the IT band?<\/h2>\n
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Pain occurs where the IT band meets the outer knee.<\/span><\/figcaption> Getty<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The iliotibial band has an important job stabilising the knee. It\u2019s influenced by several muscles around the thigh region, such as the tensor fasciae latae, or TFL, at the top of the hip, glutes and quadriceps.<\/p>\n

Bianca Broadbant, a physio and bike fitter from Fit Your Bike, explains that the TFL contracts to produce force. The IT band transmits the force to the outside of the knee while also enabling the hip to flex.<\/p>\n

What are the causes and symptoms of IT band pain?<\/h2>\n
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IT band treatment tries to alleviate compression of the iliotibial tract bursa.<\/span><\/figcaption> Getty<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Although people often refer to IT band pain, the IT band itself cannot be injured. IT band issues originate elsewhere.<\/p>\n

When the hips, glutes and hamstrings become fatigued or tight from the repetitive workload of cycling, they affect the position of the IT band. A change of equipment or bike position can also cause this.<\/p>\n

The IT band is not designed to stop the knee tracking inwards or outwards during the pedal stroke. However, it can step in to compensate for a lack of stability in surrounding muscles.<\/p>\n

This is another cause of IT band-related knee pain, according to Dan Guillemette, physio at Team Jayco Alua and Team Bike Exchange-Jayco.<\/p>\n

Over time, misalignment of the IT band causes muscle imbalances or IT band syndrome, felt as pain on the outer knee. A bursa (fluid-filled sack) below the tendon connecting the band to the knee becomes inflamed.<\/p>\n

Broadbent says the irritation is now believed to be caused by the IT band compressing the bursa, not rubbing against it as previously thought.<\/p>\n

What do the hips do when we pedal?<\/h2>\n
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The hips have a dual function in flexing and stabilising the knees.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The hip flexors help to bend the hips, moving our knees upwards as we pedal.<\/p>\n

Guillemette says the hips are the \u201cfulcrum\u201d between your shoulders, which your hands support on the handlebars, and your feet, which apply power from your legs through the pedals.<\/p>\n

To act as a fulcrum, the hip muscles must stabilise the hips, keeping them in \u201clinear symmetry\u201d (square and level). This ensures we pedal smoothly and fluidly.<\/p>\n

What are the causes and symptoms of hip pain from cycling?<\/h2>\n
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Hip impingement happens when the femoral head squeezes against the acetabulum.<\/span><\/figcaption> Getty<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Guillemette says there are two kinds of cycling hip pain. Impingement of the hip joint is most common among people who have transitioned to cycling and may have joint damage from playing other sports.<\/p>\n

The impingement restricts how the ball-shaped femur bone moves in the hip socket.<\/p>\n

Guillemette, formerly of Team Sky, says anterior and medial pain at the front of and deep into the groin indicates something is awry in the joint.<\/p>\n

The discomfort is often sharp because the impingement is bone on bone. This will usually be felt on and off the bike.<\/p>\n

The second genre of hip issue arises when tight or weak hips cannot fulfil their stabilising function. This can lead to lower-back pain<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The three main glute muscles stabilise the hips while pedalling.<\/span><\/figcaption> Getty<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

\u201cWhen external muscles around your hips like the posterior gluteus medius, which maintain good alignment of your lower limbs, start to fatigue you start to lose control around that area.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen as you\u2019re applying power, the knee starts coming in and then you start rotating more.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of being symmetrical on the seat, one hip is being pulled forward and the other one is being pulled back. Your pelvis and sacrum start looking like an X.\u201d<\/p>\n

This causes \u201cconstant counter strain, which overloads your glutes and hamstrings, so they will get tight,\u201d Guillemette says.<\/p>\n

Subsequently, this reduces knee flexion and the power of your pedal stroke.<\/p>\n

As your pelvis tilts, you will flex your lumbar spine more in an attempt to keep your hips level.<\/p>\n

Guillemette adds: \u201cSpending more time in extreme lumbar flexion inhibits other muscles from working efficiently to provide stability.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the same time, weak glutes, hamstrings and core muscles inhibit effective hip flexion, according to Guillemette. So getting stronger legs for cycling<\/a> and doing core training for cyclists<\/a> is a good idea.<\/p>\n

This second type of hip pain tends to be a duller, muscular ache felt while cycling, often towards the end of a hard training block or ride, Guillemette says.<\/p>\n

How to prevent IT band syndrome<\/h2>\n

Broadbent believes it\u2019s inaccurate to describe the IT band as being tight.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not contractible and generally it\u2019s kind of agreed that it\u2019s a fixed length,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Therefore, the goal of her treatment is to reduce compression of the IT band and not try to stretch it.<\/p>\n

Positioning on the bike<\/h3>\n
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A time-trial tuck is unforgiving on the hips.<\/span><\/figcaption> Luc Claessen\/Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Bike position<\/a>, particularly getting your saddle height right<\/a>, is key to decompressing the IT band, according to Broadbent.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf your saddle is too high that might increase the compression the iliotibial band generates around the outside of the knee.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the saddle\u2019s set too far back, [you will experience] higher levels of internal rotation and adduction of the hips. These kinds of knee motion potentially cause increased compression.\u201d<\/p>\n

A wider stance width<\/a> on the bike can alleviate compression, but Broadbent warns going too wide can lead to adduction or internal rotation of the knee \u2013 another potential cause of compression.<\/p>\n

Cleat positioning <\/a>also plays a role. Broadbent says cleats that direct the toes inwards could increase IT band compression.<\/p>\n

A wider stance width or Q-factor could be better for the IT band, but not always. \u201cBecause you might have some with a narrow pelvis and going wider increases the compression,\u201d Broadbent says.<\/p>\n

Stretches<\/h3>\n

The IT band is a connective tissue, so cannot be stretched like a muscle.<\/p>\n

But Guillemette says stretching and strengthening glutes<\/a> and the outer hip muscles can mitigate against IT band syndrome. This is because all these muscles blend into the IT band.<\/p>\n

Foam rolling<\/h3>\n
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It\u2019s better to foam roll your quads than IT band.<\/span><\/figcaption> Adam Gasson \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Massaging and foam rolling<\/a> the IT band divides opinion among physios. Bianca Broadbent says that, like stretching, foam rolling the IT band is futile.<\/p>\n

But others think it can reduce tension and alleviate pain on the outside of the knee.<\/p>\n

Laurence Plant, specialist chiropractor and clinic manager at Henley Practice, advises using\u00a0a foam roller to massage the outer side of your thigh and the lateral portion of your hip.<\/p>\n

\u201cTry to find all the tender spots and release these out,\u201d says Plant. Aim for 3x 60 seconds per leg.<\/p>\n

Dan Guillemette says rolling the IT band becomes less painful if done regularly. But, like stretching, if you only do it after a long ride, the benefit will largely be psychosomatic.<\/p>\n

Paul Hough, a sport and exercise scientist at Oxford Brookes University, doesn\u2019t advise directly rolling the IT band. Instead, he recommends targeting the surrounding muscles, particularly the quadriceps and the tensor fasciae latae or thigh muscles.<\/p>\n

Increase workload steadily<\/h3>\n

Broadbent says even professional riders can encounter IT band syndrome after suddenly ramping up mileage.<\/p>\n

As a result, she advises against amateurs going from five hours a week to 20 hours without progressing gradually.<\/p>\n

Guillemette agrees that the core and hip muscles are \u201cendurance muscles\u201d, so need time to adapt to higher volume.<\/p>\n

Strengthening<\/h3>\n
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The lateral step-up is effective at strengthening the gluteus medius and requires little equipment.<\/span><\/figcaption> Thomas McDaniel \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

If adduction or internal rotation of the hip is compressing the IT band, Broadbent recommends strengthening the muscles that externally rotate the hip. These include the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus.<\/p>\n

Broadbent says you should train the muscles in the range you use them on the bike. She suggests leg presses, lateral step-ups and side planks.<\/p>\n

How to treat hip pain from cycling<\/h2>\n

Bike positioning<\/h3>\n
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A shorter crank can be a quick fix for hip pain.<\/span><\/figcaption> Alex Evans \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

If a patient\u2019s hip is impinged due to a joint issue, Guillemette adjusts their bike fit to open their hip angle while pedalling.<\/p>\n

He says hip-impinged riders tend to kick their knees out to the side, which can cause lateral knee pain, because their hip joint lacks the range to bring the knee up higher and straight.<\/p>\n

Decreasing crank length<\/a> by a couple of millimetres and raising the saddle height can give a rider more room to bring their hips through in the upstroke.<\/p>\n

Tweaks to bike geometry<\/a> at the front end, such as shortening the reach and raising the stack, can also ease pressure on the hips.<\/p>\n

Running your saddle too high destabilises the hips, Guillemette says, as they rock side to side.<\/p>\n

Setting up your cleats wider can also give more space for restricted hips to push through.<\/p>\n

Hip stretches<\/h3>\n
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The crucifix position stretches glutes made tight by hip problems.<\/span><\/figcaption> Joseph Branston \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Guillemette recommends trying general hip flexor stretches<\/a> to see which most effectively alleviate your hip pain.<\/p>\n

He emphasises the importance of doing stretches to improve flexibility<\/a> and level up muscular imbalances before strength training for cycling<\/a>. If not, you\u2019re likely to strengthen in an unbalanced way.<\/p>\n

Exercises to increase hip strength and flexibility<\/h2>\n

Hip rotations<\/h3>\n
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From here, turn your hips from side side.<\/span><\/figcaption> Joseph Branston \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Lie on your back with both knees bent. Cross one ankle over the opposite knee. Now move in and out of the stretch by rotating the hip in and out.<\/p>\n

To enhance the hold, use your hand to press down on your knee. Aim for 3x 10-second holds per leg.<\/p>\n

Clam shells<\/h3>\n
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You should feel the muscle on the outside of your buttocks working.<\/span><\/figcaption> getty<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Lie down on your side with your knees bent at 90 degrees and, with a resistance loop around your knees, lift your top knee away from your bottom knee, so that you create a \u2018clam shell\u2019 movement.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should feel the posterior (back) part of your glutes activating,\u201d says Plant.<\/p>\n

Aim for 3 sets of 12 reps and increase the resistance level as your strength develops.<\/p>\n

Hip flexor \/ quad stretch<\/h3>\n
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Pulling your rear leg back will lunging targets hip flexors.<\/span><\/figcaption> Joseph Branston \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Sports therapist Jamie Webb suggests tweaking a routine quad stretch. Pull your foot up behind your backside to feel a stretch in the quads.<\/p>\n

From that point push the pelvis up and out, like a pelvic thrust. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds on each leg.<\/p>\n

This should increase the stretch through the quadriceps and hip flexors, and is ideal for targeting tight quads and knee pain.<\/p>\n

Cycling-specific hip exercises<\/h2>\n

Guillemette prescribes exercises that improve the range of movement of the posterior chain muscles \u2013 from the back down to the hamstrings.<\/p>\n

He favours functional mobility exercises that replicate the movement we do on the bike.<\/p>\n

He advises doing a 10-minute circuit of the following moves several times a week, as well as a longer session if you have the time and will.<\/p>\n

Good mornings<\/h3>\n
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Bend at the hips to start a good morning.<\/span><\/figcaption> Joseph Branston \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Also known as hip hinges, good mornings work your entire posterior chain. Bend at the hip below 90 degrees then slowly raise your back to vertical.<\/p>\n

Add resistance bands or hold weights to increase difficulty.<\/p>\n

Bird dogs<\/h3>\n
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The Bird dog is one of many yoga poses recommended to deal with hip and IT band issues.<\/span><\/figcaption> Getty<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Starting on all fours, straighten one arm and the opposite leg simultaneously. Hold in a perpendicular position then bring them slowly back to the starting position. Switch to the other sides.<\/p>\n

Perform two to three sets of 10 reps.<\/p>\n

Dead bugs<\/h3>\n
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Dead bugs make your back more robust.<\/span><\/figcaption> Adam Gasson \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Lying on your back, lift and flex one leg to 90 degrees while bringing forward the opposite arm. Lower both limbs to the start point then do the same on the other side.<\/p>\n

Do two to three sets of eight reps.<\/p>\n

Thread the needle<\/h3>\n
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You can hold the position for up to one minute.<\/span><\/figcaption> Joseph Branston \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Threading the needle is an excellent thoracic spine exercise.<\/p>\n

In a kneeling position, pass one straightened arm below the opposite armpit. Hold for a few seconds then lift the same arm while rotating your shoulder and spine. Hold the arm as high as you can. Then repeat with the other arm.<\/p>\n

Do eight to 10 reps two or three times.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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