Iliotibial band

Looks like

A long thick strip of fascia down the outer thigh, from the hip to just below the knee.

What it does

Steadies the hip and the outer knee when standing and running.

Keeping it well

Rubbing over the outer knee in runners causes sharp pain there; reducing distance and strengthening the hip help more than stretching.

Related conditions

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Growing pains
• Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)
• Lymphoedema
• Restless legs syndrome
• Varicose veins