Hi Julie,   How I empathize with you. I was a runner until two years ago, when my Orthopedist told me to stop, upon pain of further injury. He told me the only exercise I should be doing is that recommended by a PT, plus swimming and bicycling. I can only walk half a mile without pain. If stem cell therapies don't come soon, a joint replacement is in my future, courtesy of Kaiser, which I dread. There are outstanding surgeons who can get people back to running, tennis, hiking and tennis.   I made the mistake of continuing to run on a hip that was causing problems, so now I am more or less completely disabled. Not to scare you, but follow the orders of as good a doctor as you can find.