Knee discomfort and pain, windshield wiper syndrome

If you are a running enthusiast, you have probably already heard of – or have already suffered from – windshield wiper syndrome. From its scientific name iliotibial band syndrome, this phenomenon particularly affects runners but also concerns certain cyclists and hikers. Here's why.

The windshield wiper syndrome is the consequence of friction of the iliotibial band on the tubercle of the external condyle of the knee (external part of the cartilage of the femur) during each flexion-extension of the knee (800 to 1,000 times per km). The athlete then feels discomfort outside the knee, with a very clear symptom, intense pain in the tensor fascia lata (TFL) muscle, hence its other name: fascia lata syndrome. To understand the nickname windshield wiper syndrome , simply visualize the iliotibial band which, in extension of the knee, is located in front of the external part of the cartilage, then is found under the external condyle when the knee is flexed; like a windshield wiper. ¹

The first consequence of this windshield wiper syndrome is a burning sensation in the outer part of the knee. If the athlete decides to continue his or her effort, the discomfort increases and even becomes difficult to bear in certain cases requiring stopping the sport for a certain time. The sensation can even radiate to the hip. This discomfort can persist for 48 to 72 hours and get worse when going up or down stairs. ² The windshield wiper syndrome, however, has the particularity of diminishing or even disappearing as soon as the knee is at rest. Athletes who suffer from it are also surprised not to feel this discomfort when practicing sports involving irregular running (tennis, handball, basketball, etc.) ¹

Windshield Wiper Syndrome

It’s treatable! Different clinical tests allow a doctor to diagnose windshield wiper syndrome. In addition to a questioning to detect the patient's habits and the regularity of his knee problems (meniscus, patella, internal or external ligament, cartilage, etc.), it is a question of ruling out serious injuries such as stress fractures, tendonitis or external ligament injuries. ¹

Several factors can cause fascia lata syndrome, including pes cavus, an overpronated foot, or simply a poorchoice of running shoes. ^1-2

Depending on the cause, the athlete is followed by a physiotherapist or a podiatrist. The treatment generally involves a little rest (2 to 3 weeks) then can consist of rehabilitation sessions, cryotherapy , possible correction of the position on the bike, use of plantar prostheses (orthopedic insoles), or even infiltrations in the most complex cases (absolutely not recommended in the long term, an infiltration may provide relief at a given moment but is not a lasting long-term solution), or even strengthening of the quadriceps to relieve the meniscus and patellar tendon which can influence the appearance of windshield wiper syndrome. We very rarely reach the point of surgical operation, which must remain the last resort, because it is always very impactful for the body, and even more so for an athlete who enjoys endurance sports.

To relieve this type of pain, it is possible to take Stimium® Joint Flex as a treatment to avoid joint problems, osteoarthritis, during your biggest training sessions, to prevent any joint or cartilage problems. , but also Stimium GABA , is interesting because in addition to its action on increasing cardiac output, Stimium GABA lowers muscle tension, reducing muscle spasms (muscle-relaxing neurotransmitter) and therefore acts on the joints and Stimium Ashwagandha , the most powerful anti- natural physical stress, with antioxidant properties, restoration of physical energy, improvement of endurance and resistance but also with a real anti-inflammatory effect on joint diseases. The objective remains for the sports patient to be taken care of as quickly as possible so as not to have to completely stop sport and any other activity, which as everyone knows, is health!

¹ http://www.medecindusport.fr/HTML/articleiliotibiale.html (Dr Nicolas Bompart, Clinique du Plateau)

² http://www.podologue-paris.com/?p=591 (Daniel Benjamin, podiatrist in Paris)