The ITB role is to add stability to the leg especially across the knee joint. it starts at the iliac crest and muscles in the hip mainly gluteus max, med, min and tensor fascia lata are attached to the ITB. The other end attaches in several places on the lateral side of the knee, mainly into the tibial.

ITB pain is often caused from inflammation due friction as the ITB rubs on the femoral epicondyle (the nobbly bit on the side of the knee). This can be caused from several factors; tightness of the ITB, weak knee flexors (hamstrings) or extensors (quads), weak hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus)often on the non injured side, weak hip external rotators (piriformis). A good physio, podiatrist, sport therapsit should be able to diagnose the underlying problem. Add to this lots of repetative movement and the end result is not good.

Treatments in the short term usually consist of
RICE and NSAID's to take away the initail inflamation.
Modification of actvity/training.
Taping (a short term fix/ damage limiter, not a solution).
Massage.

Long term traetment usually consists of treating the underlying problem eg strengthening weak muscle groups, stretching tight muscles, continued exercise modification. And evalution of whats working and not.