What is a common symptom of iliotibial band syndrome?

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is characterized by pain typically located on the outer side of the knee. This condition arises due to irritation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the knee. As the iliotibial band crosses the knee, it can become tight and inflamed, especially with activities such as running or cycling, leading to the hallmark symptom of lateral knee pain.

This pain is often described as sharp or aching and can increase with activities that involve repetitive bending of the knee, making it a very specific indicator of iliotibial band syndrome. Other options provided do not accurately represent the common symptoms of this condition; for instance, shooting pain down the calf, swelling around the ankle, or stiffness in the hip joint are more indicative of other conditions affecting different anatomical structures.