It's anchors away to "runner's knee!".

The Navy's simple answer to the painful Iliotibial Band Syndrome 

Coach, my knee hurts." Track coaches hear this lament all the time and it makes them cringe at the thought of losing the runner for any length of time.

One of the more threatening injuries involves a tendinitis of the knee, specifically on the outside of the joint. That rope-like tendon on the outside of the knee (just above and below the joint line) becomes inflamed and it can sideline the runner indefinitely.

The knee will begin hurting whenever the runner goes up the stairs or down, and sometimes in both cases. You'll notice the athlete "stiff-legging" it on the stairs just for comfort.

The knee will also hurt whenever the runner starts out on a run (but will subside somewhat during the run) until he/she stops for a drink and then attempts to start again.

The runner's daily routine will be affected and his conditioning will deteriorate.

The athlete will often be told to see his family physician, who will usually prescribe anti-inflammatories and warn the athlete to stop running. Coaches try to help with ice, rest, and stretching, but it will be quite a while until the symptoms will subside enough to permit a return to running.

At this point, the athlete will usually run until the pain returns, necessitating more time off. This iliotibial band syndrome can cause a runner to miss the entire season.

Does all of this sound familiar? Don't despair. Help is on the way. An addition to the conventional treatment is being utilized at the U.S. Naval Academy, especially when the athletes require the services of a certified athletic trainer or physical therapist to help alleviate the inflammation and ensure the proper stretching technique.

The latest protocol involves the application of a very snug (just short of wrinkling the skin) band called Part-strap. The strap is placed about two to three inches above the patella (knee cap), as shown in the photos.

Why does it work? Because (we believe) the strap helps keep the iliotibial band close to the knee, thereby relieving the friction rub and creating a false attachment point to the bone. It works quite well, making the daily routine become more comfortable.

The key to safety lies in terminating a run whenever the knee appears to be getting stiff or tight. Motto: You can't run through it, so don't even try.

The endangered runner should immediately apply an ice bag for 20 minutes. He shouldn't put it off until later. He should also continue to stretch up to a dozen times daily, holding each stretch for two to three minutes. (See photos.)

The addition of a Patt-strap protocol has allowed for a much faster rehabilitation and return to running. Athletes have utilized this technique for mild symptoms of iliotibial band syndrome and have been able to continue running without losing practice time.

Typical responses to this technique: "Wow, I can walk more normally!" and "My mileage has gone up dramatically with the strap on!"

Part-strap is distributed by Fabrifoam Products, 800-577-1077.

The advantages of the Patt-strap

1. Strap it up upon rising in the A.M., and take it off at night only. Upon becoming comfortable moving up and down stairs, the runner can begin wearing the strap only when he runs.

2. The strap's form backing will keep it in place during pool workouts and sweating.

3. The band is wide enough to disperse tension over the hamstring tendon and allow for more comfortable wear.