IT Band Syndrome

During descent, the knee flexion angle consistently remains around 30°; this angle is precisely the impingement zone where the iliotibial band rubs most strongly against the lateral epicondyle of the femur. While the knee flexes more on uphill slopes to pass through this zone quickly, the weight bearing at this angle persists for a longer period on downhill slopes. Increased hip adduction due to weakness in the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles further raises tension in the iliotibial band, exacerbating pain. From a Korean medicine perspective, the impact of a downhill slope creates an environment where cold and damp energies can easily invade the joint spaces. Digestive function governs the muscles and limbs; as this energy weakens after middle age, the shock-absorbing capacity of the leg muscles decreases, leading to the accumulation of stagnant blood (stagnant blood) in the ligaments and fascia. At Dongjedang, we apply acupuncture and fire acupuncture around the outer side of the knee to open up local circulation, and use herbal medicine tailored to the individual's constitution to replenish digestive energy and the blood that nourishes the muscles, thereby enhancing the recovery capacity of muscles and ligaments.