IT band/lateral knee pain for over a year

[now_scared]

I have been struggling with what has

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Bone scan will rule out a stress fracture, MRI will evaluate for more.

[now_scared]

No I have not had an MRI. I have had an ultrasound (to check and see if it was bursitis and to guide the cortisone shot), and i'm being sent for a bone scan (not sure why), but no MRI.  When i meet with my doctor about the bone scan, I will ask about getting an MRI.

Thank you for the suggestion.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

HAve you had an MR?  If this is a torn lateral meniscus, rather than ITB syndrome, none of the above will make you better

[now_scared]

oops I have been struggling with what has been diagnosed as IT band syndrome.  I've had pain on the outside of my left knee for over a year.  I am an amateur cyclist.  I have been doing physio (glute strengthening and stretches), ART, gunn IMS, acupuncture, 3 rounds of oral and topic anti-inflammatory (2 months of diclofenac 10%), i've had a cortisone shot over 3 weeks ago, and there has never been anything that has ever helped.  Actually acupuncture helps but it only feels better for about 2-4 days after and at $80 a visit it isn't a viable long-term solution.

Has anyone else had this experience? Does anyone know of any other options?  I feel like i've tried everything in the last 19 months and I'm at my wits end.  Not only is it preventing my from doing my passion in life (cycling) but i can't even walk anymore without pain.  No nice long walks with my wife, hiking, swimming.  I can't adapt to this new sedentary lifestyle i've had to adopt because all activity causes pain.

I really feel like i've tried everything with no relief at all