What is a common cause of Iliotibial Band (ITB) syndrome?

A common cause of Iliotibial Band (ITB) syndrome is indeed associated with inactive glutes. The gluteal muscles, particularly the gluteus medius, play a critical role in stabilizing the pelvis during movement. When the glutes are weak or inactive, it can lead to improper alignment of the hip and knee during activities such as running or biking. This misalignment increases the tension on the Iliotibial Band, which runs from the hip down to the outside of the knee. As the ITB becomes more stressed, it can cause friction and inflammation, resulting in ITB syndrome.

In this context, stabilizing the hip and knee effectively through strong glutes can help prevent ITB syndrome by ensuring that the force exerted during activities is properly distributed and aligned. Strengthening and activating the gluteal muscles can therefore be a critical component of both preventing and rehabilitating from this syndrome.