What is the IT band?

The iliotibial band, or IT band, is a thickening of fibers along the outside part of the thigh. This sheet-like tissue arises from the large gluteus maximus muscle and smaller tensor fascia latae muscle on the lateral (outside) hip. The band of tissue extends down the outside of the thigh and attaches on the shin bone. Because the IT band crosses over the lateral hip and knee, it can cause friction disorders over one or both joints. This is commonly referred to as IT band syndrome.

The Iliotibial Band (ITB) originates as a deep fascia at the pelvis. It serves as an insertion zone for both the gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata (TFL), and runs to the outer portion of the top of the lower leg bone, the tibia. Although the ITB is not a muscle, it can still affect how the tibia moves. Some fibers blend into the kneecap (patella). By virtue of its attachments, the ITB externally rotates the tibia and can influence how the kneecap moves in its groove.

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The iliotibial (IT) band is a thick band of fascia that provides stability to the lateral aspect of the knee. The IT band begins in the hip, as a fusion of the tensor fascia latae muscle, as well as a portion of the gluteus maximus muscle, and runs down the lateral part of the thigh, over the lateral side of the femur and inserts just below the knee, at a site known as Gerdy’s tubercle.

(This answer provided for NATA by the University of Tampa Athletic Training Education Program)