Down But Not Out (I hope)!

So I've been having some pain in my right knee.  It may be Iliotibial Band Syndrome (aka Runners Knee).  The IT Band is a fibrous connective tissue that runs from your outer hip to a connection point at the top of your tibia (your shin bone).  It is an important component of your leg that supports lateral knee stabilization. 

Where it passes by the knee, it's thin.  Sometimes when you are running that portion of connective tissue can be irritated and inflamed, causing knee pain.  

Well, that's just what I did.  I can walk fine, but I have pain in my knee and the outside of my leg.  I'm going to have to take it easy for a while and I sure hope this does not linger too long.  I don't want this to impact my ability to run the Marathon on May 26th, which is fast approaching.  I'll just have to take it one day at a time.

If you have any advice on treatment, I would appreciate it.  I've been reading quite a bit about it.  Here are a few links with useful details:

• Runners World Article on how to Beat the Band!
• Running writings blog about Biomechanical Solutions.
• One for the scientists out there from the journal American Family Physician.

Pray that this injury heals soon.  In the mean time, I will continue to train (as best I can), seek out as many solutions as possible, and see my doctor.

Happy running...soon I hope!