### instruction:
If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patient's description.

### input:
I am a distance runner. Last week after a run I woke in the middle of night with sharp pains in the side of my thigh. Not what I would consider an injury that has slowed me down much but it burns at times really bad. I am thinking strain. How long should I rest my leg? If I continue to run will an injury like this heal but much slower? Or will it get worse without rest?

### output:

Hi and welcome to Chat Doctor.  I understand how it can be very challenging to pursue running with so much pain. The pain you have is due to a condition called, Iliotibial Band Syn Chat Doctor.  It occurs when the iliotibial band, the ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin, is tight or inflamed. The IT band attaches to the knee and helps stabilize and move the joint. When the IT band isn't working properly, movement of the knee (and, therefore, running) becomes painful. IT band pain can be severe enough to completely sideline a runner for weeks, or even longer. Here is a list of Dos and Don'ts that will surely help you! Dos:1. The best way to get rid of it for good is to rest immediately. That means fewer miles, or no running at all. In the majority of runners, resting immediately will prevent pain from returning. If you don't give yourself a break from running, ITS can become chronic.2. While you're backing off on your mileage, you can cross-train. Swimming, pool running, cycling, and rowing are all fine. Stair-climbing is not, because it is too much like running3. When running on a track, change directions repeatedly and always do icing for minimum of 10 min to help reduce inflammation. 4. Make sure your shoes aren't worn along the outside of the sole. If they are, replace them.5. Walk a quarter- to half-mile before you start your runs. 6. See a Physical therapist near you and get a few sessions of Ultrasonic therapy. Dots :1. Don't run on concrete surfaces. I hope this information is helpful to you. Take care and have a nice day :)