How to recover quickly from iliotibial band injury
Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a quick recovery from iliotibial band injury. However, treatment can be promoted through conservative management, medication, surgical intervention, and other methods.
1. Conservative Management
During the acute phase, appropriate rest should be taken and weight-bearing activities should be avoided. During the recovery phase, exercises targeting the hip joint—such as straight leg raises—can be performed.
2. Medication
Under medical guidance, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen sustained-release tablets or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be taken orally. Topical treatments such as diclofenac diethylamine gel or nimesulide gel can also be applied to help manage symptoms.
3. Surgical Treatment
For severe cases, surgery may be considered. Most surgical procedures involve releasing adhesions to improve local mobility and relieve compression symptoms by loosening the iliotibial band and performing local soft tissue release. This helps alleviate or resolve symptoms, reducing pain or eliminating it completely.
In addition, physical therapy can also be used to treat iliotibial band injuries. Patients are advised to ensure adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue, and perform appropriate functional exercises.