Most of you know by now that I enjoy running, or used to. Unfortunately I have developed some knee pain over time that forced me to stop running temporarily. Finally I decided I had two choices: give up running forever, which essentially means giving up regular exercise since it’s the only kind I’ll do consistently, or see a doctor for help. I chose the latter and saw a sports medicine practice on Monday. As I expected from internet research, the doc diagnosed me with iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). The tendon that runs between my hip and my shinbone is too tight. It’s rubbing on bone in my knee when I run, causing inflammation and pain. My treatment plan includes further rest from running, a cortisone shot that afternoon, new running shoes (I think I’ve been running with the wrong kind), and physical therapy starting Dec 8.