Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome
Friction over the outer knee, common in runners.
Overview
What is Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation in the plantar fascia in your foot. It’s the most common cause of heel pain.
The plantar fascia is a strong, fibrous attachment (similar to a ligament) that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot and your toes. It's stretchy like a thick rubber band. The plantar fascia connects the bones in your foot together and forms the arch on the bottom of your foot.
Plantar fasciitis happens when your plantar fascia is overused or stretched too far. Anything that damages your plantar fascia can make it swell. This inflammation makes it painful to walk or use your foot. Most people experience plantar fasciitis in one foot at a time, but it’s possible for it to affect both your feet at once.
Visit a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing heel or foot pain for more than a week.
How common is Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome?
Plantar fasciitis is extremely common. More than 2 million people in the U.S. are treated for it each year. Around 1 in 10 people will develop plantar fasciitis at some point throughout their life.
Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome?
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Heel pain.
- Pain in the arch of your foot.
- Stiffness.
- Swelling around your heel.
- A tight Achilles tendon.
What does Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome feel like?
Plantar fasciitis usually causes an achy pain in your heel or along the bottom of your foot. The pain can change depending on what you’re doing or the time of day. Some types of pain you might feel include:
- Pain when you stand up after sleeping or sitting down. The pain usually goes away after walking for a few minutes.
- A dull, constant ache.
- Sharp or stabbing pain when you use your affected foot or put pressure on your heel.
- Exercising or moving might temporarily relieve your pain, but it’ll usually get worse as soon as you stop.
- Increased pain first thing in the morning or when you stand up after sitting or sleeping.
What causes Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome?
- Anything that irritates or damages your plantar fascia can cause plantar fasciitis, including:
- Being on your feet all day for work.
- Playing sports.
- Exercising or working on a hard surface (like a warehouse floor or the sidewalk).
- Exercising without stretching or warming up.
- Wearing shoes that don’t support your feet well enough (like flip flops or flat, flexible sneakers).
- Walking or standing barefoot while you’re at home.
Some health conditions can cause Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome, including:
- High arch feet.
- Flat feet.
- Obesity (or gaining more than 15 pounds in a few months).
How is it Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will diagnose plantar fasciitis with a physical exam. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and look at your foot. They might lightly press on your plantar fascia to feel for inflammation and check your level of pain
Tell your provider about the pain you’re experiencing in your daily routine. Let them know where on your foot it hurts and when it’s most painful throughout the day.
What Tests Are Used to Diagnose Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome?
Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be diagnosed without tests, but if needed, imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs can rule out other conditions.
Foot Factor provides Expert Podiatry Treatment Tailored to You.
At Foot Factor, our podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot pain with precision and expertise. With advanced gait analysis, custom orthotics, and sports-focused podiatry care, we don’t just identify the problem—we provide a targeted solution to get you back to moving pain-free. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
How is it Treated?
Managing plantar fasciitis often involves a combination of at-home care, lifestyle adjustments, and professional treatment. Common options include:
- Rest & Ice Therapy – Reducing activity and applying ice can help ease inflammation.
- Stretching & Strengthening Exercises – Targeted exercises improve flexibility and relieve tension in the plantar fascia.
- Supportive Footwear & Insoles – Proper footwear with arch support can alleviate strain on your foot.
- Custom Orthotics – Specially designed insoles provide tailored support, redistributing pressure and reducing pain.
- Physical Therapy & Manual Techniques – Therapists can offer guided treatments, including massage, taping, and mobility work.
- Medical Interventions – In persistent cases, steroid injections, shockwave therapy, or minimally invasive procedures may be recommended.
Our Custom Orthotics give you the Right Support for Long-Term Relief.
At Foot Factor, our podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot pain with precision and expertise. With advanced gait analysis, custom orthotics, and sports-focused podiatry care, we don’t just identify the problem—we provide a targeted solution to get you back to moving pain-free. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
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