Question
I am 17 years old and have had iliotibial band snapping syndrome for 3
years. I have undergone a heavy ibuprofin regimen, gone through 2
months of physical therapy, and have been unable to walk without a came
for over month now. The next step for me is cortisone but my doc Kbps it
won't work but it has to be done inorder to make me a candidate for
surgery. I really want to skip the uneeded cortisone and go to something
that will help. Is there anything I can do?  

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Orthopedic Podiatrist says.......

Dear Meghan,

Sorry to make it public-but I only answer public questions-So that all may benefit.
You need to get your medical records and get a second opinion.
What is the reason that the ITBS is there? Are your arches in your feet too high or low, are your knees aligned properly?
Are your muscles in your legs evenly developed-or too tight?
Do you have hip arthritis? Etc.....
Stop the activity that makes it hurt completely for about 2 months.
If the decrease in activity decreases the pain then try
PRICE
Protect-Wrap the hip-or walk in a way that it doesn't hurt
Rest-Walk less and do not engage in activities that make it hurt.
Ice-On and of for about an hour 3-4 times a day. Mild heat is OK for stiffness-but not pain.(Ice will work the best)
Compress-Apply Elastoplast (ace wrap with adhesive) to the the area-watch for skin irritation
Elevate-if it throbs try to lay down.
If you are overweight -any weight loss will help also.
The injection should be given-only if the doctor feels it may help.
If surgery is the only answer(which I'm not sure about)then confirm with a second opinion.

Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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