Reduction of Foot Overpronation to Improve Iliotibial Band Syndrome in Runners: A Case Series

Introduction: Foot overpronation is commonly associated with injuries in runners, and may contribute to iliotibial band syndrome, although to date, the effect of overpronation on this injury has been little studied. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of anti-pronation orthotic insoles on pain and hip and knee kinematics in runners with overpronation and iliotibial band syndrome. Case description: Three runners with iliotibial band syndrome underwent repeated kinematic analysis during a three-week period of training with bilateral orthotic insoles. Pain during running (visual analogue scale) and peak hip and knee internal rotation and hip adduction were analyzed. Results: After three weeks of training with the orthotic insoles, mean pain during running decreased from 10 points on the visual analogue scale to 1.6 ± 1.5. Mean peak internal hip rotation decreased by -7.6 ± 0.3 degree (S1=-7.4 degree; S2=-7.9 degree and S3=-7.3 degree) and mean peak internal knee rotation decreased by -6.9 ± 6.4 degree (S1=-4.2 degree, S2=-14.3 degree and S3= 2.5 degree). The results for hip adduction were not consistent. Discussion: Reduction of overpronation using orthotic insole may be an effective treatment for iliotibial band syndrome in some runners. The reduction in peak hip and knee internal rotation may have reduced strain on the iliotibial band during running, reducing pain. Kinematic analysis of running should be carried out in individuals with iliotibial band syndrome to determine the cause of the injury.