--I'm in reasonably good shape, with a decent diet (despite the infrequent cheats), though I am 54, with a considerable history of pounding to my legs. . .

I'm going to be hopeful and see how a few months of conservative treatment works. I can walk, albeit uncomfortably, so we'll see how that goes, too.

I am seeing a very well known sports doctor (he's one of the orthopedic surgeons for the new York Jets) and I like the fact that when he and I and one of his students were discussing possible physical therapists, and one local one was suggested, he immediately piped up with "Not him--he sucks". I appreciate a doctor who'll give a candid negative opinion on another health professional. (Very rare indeed.)