In brief: Iliotibial band syndrome was diagnosed in 48 of 1,030 runners treated for lower extremity musculoskeletal complaints. Most Patients had been running 20 to 40 miles a week for one year or longer and had significantly changed their distance, speed, terrain, surface, and/or shoes before the onset of symptoms. Persons with a varus knee alignment Were most likely to develop the symptoms, which often persisted for two to six months. All runners were treated conservatively with rest, reduced distance, anti-inflammatory medication, local cortisone injections, and/or orthoses.