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Real runners. Real problems. Real solutions. The Interdisciplinary Case Miles podcast dives deep into clinical cases affecting runners of all levels, analyzed through the lens of three leading experts in...
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Real runners. Real problems. Real solutions.
The Interdisciplinary Case Miles podcast dives deep into clinical cases affecting runners of all levels, analyzed through the lens of three leading experts in running health. Each episode presents a runner’s story—pain, performance, or puzzling symptoms—and explores it from the collaborative perspectives of an orthopedic physical therapist, a running medicine physician, and a sports dietitian. Tune in for practical, evidence-based strategies and behind-the-scenes insight into what really helps runners return to the roads stronger than before.
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and founder of Precision Performance & Physical Therapy and Fast Bananas RUNsource. She is a researcher, author, and national speaker on running-related injuries, performance, and recovery. Kate treats runners of all levels—from recreational to professional—and specializes in working with those who haven’t had success elsewhere. She is part of the interdisciplinary team for the Atlanta Track Club Elite, serves as adjunct faculty at Emory University School of Medicine, and regularly lectures at running camps, universities, and team programs nationwide.
Dr. Sara Raiser MD, FAAPMR, CAQSM, LMT
Dr. Sara Raiser is a sports medicine physician and academic physiatrist at the University of Virginia Runner’s Clinic, where she specializes in the care of runners across all levels. Her clinical and research work focuses on bone stress injuries, gait mechanics, female athlete health, and interdisciplinary care models in running medicine. Dr. Raiser has served as team physician for Atlanta Track Club Elite, Stanford University, and several collegiate and high school programs. She brings a deeply collaborative and evidence-based approach to helping runners recover, adapt, and perform.
Kelsey Pontius, RD CSSD
Kelsey Pontius is a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics and the founder of Meteor Nutrition. A two-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, she combines elite-level athletic experience with clinical expertise to help runners fuel for performance, recovery, and health. Kelsey is the sports dietitian for Atlanta Track Club Elite and consults with NCAA Division I teams, as well as individual runners across the country. Her practice focuses on endurance nutrition, gut health, injury recovery, and hormone balance through food.
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The Interdisciplinary Case Miles podcast dives deep into clinical cases affecting runners of all levels, analyzed through the lens of three leading experts in running health. Each episode presents a runner’s story—pain, performance, or puzzling symptoms—and explores it from the collaborative perspectives of an orthopedic physical therapist, a running medicine physician, and a sports dietitian. Tune in for practical, evidence-based strategies and behind-the-scenes insight into what really helps runners return to the roads stronger than before.
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and founder of Precision Performance & Physical Therapy and Fast Bananas RUNsource. She is a researcher, author, and national speaker on running-related injuries, performance, and recovery. Kate treats runners of all levels—from recreational to professional—and specializes in working with those who haven’t had success elsewhere. She is part of the interdisciplinary team for the Atlanta Track Club Elite, serves as adjunct faculty at Emory University School of Medicine, and regularly lectures at running camps, universities, and team programs nationwide.
Dr. Sara Raiser MD, FAAPMR, CAQSM, LMT
Dr. Sara Raiser is a sports medicine physician and academic physiatrist at the University of Virginia Runner’s Clinic, where she specializes in the care of runners across all levels. Her clinical and research work focuses on bone stress injuries, gait mechanics, female athlete health, and interdisciplinary care models in running medicine. Dr. Raiser has served as team physician for Atlanta Track Club Elite, Stanford University, and several collegiate and high school programs. She brings a deeply collaborative and evidence-based approach to helping runners recover, adapt, and perform.
Kelsey Pontius, RD CSSD
Kelsey Pontius is a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics and the founder of Meteor Nutrition. A two-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, she combines elite-level athletic experience with clinical expertise to help runners fuel for performance, recovery, and health. Kelsey is the sports dietitian for Atlanta Track Club Elite and consults with NCAA Division I teams, as well as individual runners across the country. Her practice focuses on endurance nutrition, gut health, injury recovery, and hormone balance through food.
The Running Injury Podcast (Formerly Interdisciplinary Case Miles)
The Running Injury Podcast (Formerly Interdisciplinary Case Miles)
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PTSupport the Podcast
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Transcribed
18 SEP 2026 · When Achilles pain keeps coming back, the problem may be more complicated than “just tendonitis.”
In Episode 28 of The Running Injury Podcast, Dr. Sara Raiser, sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius, and Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards walk through the show’s first listener-submitted case: an ultra runner dealing with recurrent Achilles pain, a visible bump at the heel, bursitis, and a confirmed Haglund’s deformity.After months of rest, physical therapy, cycling, shoe changes, shockwave therapy, and multiple medical opinions, she was still trying to answer one big question: Should she keep managing it conservatively or is it time to consider surgery?
This episode looks at why stubborn Achilles injuries require more than treating the painful spot and why the right diagnosis, rehab plan, nutrition strategy, footwear, and provider can make all the difference.
In this episode, you'll learn:
-What Haglund’s deformity is and how it can irritate the Achilles tendon
-Why insertional Achilles tendinopathy can be so difficult to treat
-How bursitis can be part of a larger problem rather than the primary diagnosis
-Why ultrasound can be especially helpful when evaluating Achilles tendon injuries
-When shockwave, orthotics, footwear changes, and other procedures may help
-Why physical therapy should address the entire kinetic chain—not just the calf and ankle
-How vegan athletes can support tendon healing through energy, protein, carbohydrates, B12, zinc, omega-3s, and creatine
-When it may be reasonable to discuss surgery after conservative treatment has failed
This case is a reminder that persistent pain deserves another look. If treatment isn’t working, it may be time to question whether you’re treating the right problem in the first place.
Featured Experts
Dr. Sara Raiser MD – Running Medicine Physician
Kelsey Pontius, MS, RD, CSSD – Sports Dietitian
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT – Physical Therapist & Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Chapter Highlights
00:00 Welcome to Episode 28
03:00 The first listener-submitted case
05:30 Recurrent Achilles pain and Haglund’s deformity
10:45 Is it really Achilles tendinopathy? Getting the diagnosis right
16:30 Ultrasound, bursitis, insertional tendinopathy, and tendon changes
24:00 Physical therapy: What good Achilles rehab should include
31:30 When conservative treatment isn’t working
36:45 Haglund’s surgery and return-to-sport outcomes
42:00 Vegan athletes, fueling, and tendon healing
49:15 Choosing the right provider and the right treatment
55:00 Final takeaways Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.
Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at runcasemiles@gmail.com.
Transcribed
4 SEP 2026 · Welcome to Season 2 and welcome to The Running Injury Podcast!
If you've been with us before, you may notice one big change: Interdisciplinary Case Miles has a new name. While the name is new, everything you love about the show remains the same real runner cases, evidence-informed conversations, and practical advice from a team of experts dedicated to helping runners stay healthy and perform at their best.
To kick off the new season, the hosts catch up on what they've been working on from a successful High School Runners Summit focused on injury prevention, nutrition, sleep, and mental health, to exciting behind-the-scenes projects, and Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards' emotional return to racing after completing her first 5K in 11 years following her ARVC diagnosis.
Then it's time for the first case of Season 2:A 24-year-old runner develops pain in the front of his hip after an aggressive track workout. His symptoms worsen with stairs, speed work, hills, prolonged sitting, and frequent work travel raising important questions about what could really be causing his pain.
In this episode, you'll learn:
-Why groin pain in runners should be treated as a femoral neck stress fracture until proven otherwise
-Other causes of anterior hip pain, including labral tears, hip impingement, hip retroversion, pubic symphysis injuries, and athletic pubalgia
-Why hip flexors need strength-not just stretching- to support efficient running mechanics
-How travel, missed meals, hydration, and sleep can contribute to injury risk
-What actually matters when it comes to breathing mechanics, core stability, and pelvic floor function
-How strength, mobility, gait analysis, and training load all work together to keep runners healthy
Whether you're training for your next race, recovering from an injury, or simply trying to understand why your hip hurts, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed strategies to help you run stronger and recover smarter.
Featured Experts:
Dr. Sara Raiser MD – Running Medicine Physician
Kelsey Pontius, MS, RD, CSSD – Sports Dietitian
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT – Physical Therapist & Orthopedic Clinical Specialis
tChapter Highlights
00:00 Welcome to The Running Injury Podcast
02:30 Host updates and what's new for Season 2
08:15 Case introduction: Anterior hip pain in a runner
12:45 Why ruling out a femoral neck stress fracture comes first
19:30 Understanding hip flexors and running mechanics
28:20 Nutrition, travel, and recovery challenges for busy runners
36:45 Breathing mechanics, core stability, and pelvic floor function
45:00 Physical therapy strategies for hip flexor injuries
54:15 Key takeaways for preventing and treating hip pain Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.
Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at runcasemiles@gmail.com.
Transcribed
21 AUG 2026 · Not every case of heel or arch pain is plantar fasciitis.In Episode 26 of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, Dr. Sara Raiser, sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius, and Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards break down a challenging case of a runner who had been treated for plantar fasciitis by multiple providers but the real diagnosis was something entirely different.From differential diagnosis and biomechanics to nutrition, footwear, and tendon rehabilitation, this episode explores why getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward lasting recovery.
Whether you're dealing with stubborn foot pain, recurring arch pain, or simply want to avoid common running injuries, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed strategies to help you stay healthy and running strong.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why heel pain isn't always plantar fasciitis
- How posterior tibial tendinopathy can mimic plantar fasciitis
- The importance of a thorough running and biomechanical evaluation
- When imaging is necessary to rule out stress fractures and other serious injuries
- How footwear including carbon-plated shoes can impact recovery
- Why nutrition and adequate fueling play a critical role in tendon health
- How progressive tendon loading helps runners recover safely
Whether you're a recreational runner, marathoner, coach, healthcare provider, or someone struggling with persistent foot pain, this episode will help you better understand what may really be causing your symptoms and what to do about it.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Sara Raiser MD – Running Medicine Physician
- Kelsey Pontius, MS, RD, CSSD – Sports Dietitian
- Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT – Physical Therapist & Orthopedic Clinical SpecialistChapter Highlights
00:00 Introduction to today's case
01:20 Why this wasn't typical plantar fasciitis
06:15 Differential diagnosis: Stress fractures, tendon injuries, and nerve pain
12:30 Biomechanics, hip strength, and running gait analysis
18:45 Carbon-plated shoes: When they help and when they hurt
24:00 Nutrition strategies for tendon healing and recovery
30:30 Female athletes, menstrual cycles, and injury risk
37:45 Why tendon loading- not complete rest is essential
44:30 The importance of getting the correct diagnosis
49:15 Final takeaways for runners with persistent foot pain Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.
Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at runcasemiles@gmail.com.
Transcribed
7 AUG 2026 · Returning to running after having a baby isn't as simple as lacing up your shoes.In Episode 25 of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, Dr. Sara Raiser, sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius, and Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards walk through a complex case of a postpartum runner recovering from a femoral neck stress fracture while navigating breastfeeding, RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), infertility history, and the emotional challenge of getting back to the sport she loves.This episode highlights why postpartum runners deserve individualized care and why nutrition, bone health, biomechanics, and mental well-being all play a role in a safe return to running.Whether you're a postpartum athlete, endurance runner, coach, healthcare provider, or simply interested in female athlete health, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed insights that extend far beyond pregnancy.In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why postpartum runners are at increased risk for bone stress injuries
- How RED-S and low energy availability affect recovery and bone health
- The nutritional demands of breastfeeding while returning to trainin
- Why femoral neck stress fractures require careful managemen
- How individualized return-to-run programs reduce the risk of reinjury
- The importance of repeat imaging and interdisciplinary care during recovery
- Why listening to your body is essential after childbirth and injury
This conversation explores the intersection of sports medicine, physical therapy, nutrition, and women's health to help runners recover safely, rebuild confidence, and return to doing what they love.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Sara Raiser MD – Running Medicine Physician
- Kelsey Pontius, MS, RD, CSSD – Sports Dietitian
- Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT – Physical Therapist & Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
00:00 Introduction to this postpartum running case
02:00 RED-S, infertility history, and postpartum recovery
07:15 Breastfeeding nutrition and increased energy demands
14:30 Femoral neck stress fractures explained
21:00 Bone health, medications, and metabolic risk factors
30:15 Returning to running after a high-risk stress fracture
39:30 Why repeat imaging can change treatment decisions
46:00 Balancing healing, motherhood, and athletic identity
52:15 Key takeaways for postpartum runners and healthcare providers
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.
Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at runcasemiles@gmail.com.
Transcribed
24 JUL 2026 · Are Bunions Ruining Your Running? Think bunions are just a cosmetic issue?
Think again.
In Episode 24 of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, Dr. Sara Raiser, sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius, and Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards take a closer look at one of the most common foot conditions affecting runners: bunions (hallux valgus).
From biomechanics and footwear to nutrition, strength training, and surgical considerations, this episode explains why bunions are much more than a bump on your foot.Whether you've noticed your big toe drifting, struggle with foot pain during runs, or simply want to keep your feet healthy for years to come, this episode provides practical, evidence-informed strategies to help you run stronger and stay injury-free.In this episode, you'll learn:What a bunion (hallux valgus) actually is and why it develops.
Why bunions can contribute to knee, hip, and running injuries.
How foot mechanics and pronation influence bunion progression.
When physical therapy, toe strengthening, and footwear changes can help.
The role of nutrition in supporting tendon, ligament, and joint health.
When bunion surgery should (and shouldn't) be considered.
Simple exercises that can improve foot stability and running mechanicsWhether you're a recreational runner, marathoner, trail runner, coach, healthcare provider, or simply looking to stay active without foot pain, this episode will help you better understand how your feet influence every step you take.
Featured Experts
Dr. Sara Raiser MD – Running Medicine Physician
Kelsey Pontius, MS, RD, CSSD – Sports Dietitian
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT – Physical Therapist & Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
00:00 Introduction
01:15 What is a bunion? Understanding hallux valgus
04:20 Why bunions affect the entire kinetic chain
08:35 Running mechanics, pronation, and foot stability
13:15 Nutrition strategies to support healthy tendons and ligaments
19:10 Toe strength, toe yoga, and improving foot control
24:20 When should runners consider bunion surgery?
31:30 Footwear, toe spacers, and shoe modifications
37:45 Sleep, recovery, and protecting your running mechanics
44:15 Final takeaways for preventing bunion progression Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.
Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at runcasemiles@gmail.com.
Transcribed
10 JUL 2026 · Knee pain can stop even the most consistent runner in their tracks—but does knee pain automatically mean you need an MRI, an injection, or surgery?
In this episode of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, we discuss a runner whose knee pain gradually started limiting his training. We cover meniscus injuries, why knee pain can develop even when your training hasn't changed, when imaging is helpful, and why surgery is often not the first step.We also discuss strength, mobility, biomechanics, trail running, downhill running, and other factors that can contribute to knee pain.
If you've ever had a run cut short by knee pain or wondered what an MRI finding really means, this episode is for you.
In This Episode
00:00 Introduction and today's runner case
01:45 A runner whose knee pain gradually stopped him from training
04:30 What clinicians look for during a knee evaluation
08:00 Meniscus pain, mechanical symptoms, and common misconceptions
11:30 Degenerative versus traumatic meniscus tears
15:00 When imaging helps and when it doesn't change treatment
18:30 Trail running, downhill running, and rotational stress on the knee
22:00 Strength, mobility, and movement patterns that matter
26:00 Conservative treatment options for runners
30:00 When surgery may be appropriate
33:00 Key takeaways for runners dealing with knee pain
About Interdisciplinary Case MilesInterdisciplinary Case Miles brings together a running medicine physician, sports dietitian, and physical therapist to discuss real runner cases and the challenges runners face every day. Through an evidence-informed approach, we help runners better understand injuries, recovery, performance, and long-term health so they can keep doing what they love. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.
Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at runcasemiles@gmail.com.
Transcribed
26 JUN 2026 · Summer training can set you up for your strongest racing season or leave you sidelined before it even begins.
In Episode 22 of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, Dr. Sara Raiser MD, sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius, and Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT take a quick break from injury cases to help decrease your risk for injury later.
They share the three biggest mistakes runners make during the summer that often lead to injuries when fall marathon training, cross-country season, and race preparation begin.
Whether you're training for your first 5K, a marathon, or preparing for a competitive cross-country season, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed strategies to help you stay healthy, recover well, and build a stronger foundation before race season.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why under-fueling is more common during hot weather than you think
- How summer travel and inconsistent training increase injury risk
- The importance of maintaining running and strength training consistency
- Why recovery is the missing piece in many training plans
- Smart nutrition and hydration strategies for hot-weather running
- How to avoid training spikes before marathon and cross-country season
Whether you're a recreational runner, competitive athlete, coach, parent, or healthcare professional working with runners, these simple adjustments can help keep injuries away and performance moving forward.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Sara Raiser MD – Running Medicine Physician
- Kelsey Pontius, MS, RD, CSSD – Sports Dietitian
- Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT – Physical Therapist & Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Chapter Highlights
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Summer training mistakes that lead to fall injuries
02:10 Why runners under-fuel during hot weather
06:45 Staying consistent while traveling this summer
10:55 Preventing training spikes before marathon season
14:10 Recovery strategies every runner needs
18:45 Cross-training, rest days, and avoiding burnout
22:10 Fueling before, during, and after summer workouts
26:00 Final takeaways for staying healthy all season
Have a running injury or case you'd like discussed on a future episode?
Email us: runcasemiles@gmail.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow runner. Every share helps us reach more athletes and continue providing evidence-informed education to help runners stay healthy and perform their best. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.
Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at runcasemiles@gmail.com.
Transcribed
12 JUN 2026 · In this episode of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, Dr. Sara Raiser MD, Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT, and sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius discuss a common running injury that is often oversimplified: metatarsal pain, or forefoot pain.
Using the case of a recreational runner in her mid-20s who recently increased her mileage after joining a social running group, they explore the many factors that can contribute to forefoot pain — from rapid training increases and footwear choices to biomechanics, nutrition, and overall load management.
The conversation highlights how lifestyle changes such as walking more in a new city, wearing heels for work, increasing weekly mileage, and under-fueling can all add up to overload the body.
They discuss how clinicians evaluate metatarsalgia, when imaging may be necessary, and why assessing gait mechanics, strength, and movement patterns is essential for long-term recovery.
The episode also explores the role of nutrition in injury prevention, including the importance of fueling appropriately when transitioning from casual exercise to training like an athlete.Listeners will also hear discussion around common contributors to forefoot pain such as calf tightness, forefoot loading, Morton’s neuroma, footwear transitions, and even referred pain coming from the lower back. Throughout the episode, the importance of treating the whole athlete- not just the painful area- is emphasized, along with understanding whether the body can truly tolerate the physical and mental load being placed upon it.
Whether you’re a runner dealing with foot pain, a clinician treating runners, or someone trying to better understand training load and recovery, this episode provides practical insights into injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization.
00:00 – Welcome to Interdisciplinary Case Miles
Introduction to the podcast and the interdisciplinary approach to runner health and performance.
01:20 – The Case: Recreational Runner with Forefoot Pain
A runner in her mid-20s develops metatarsal pain after increasing mileage and joining a social run group.
03:00 – Understanding Metatarsalgia
Dr. Sara Raiser MD explains why forefoot pain is often multifactorial and requires a broad differential diagnosis.
05:30 – Stress Fractures & Medical Red Flags
Discussion around bone stress injuries, imaging, neurological screening, and determining when further investigation is needed.
09:15 – Biomechanics, Gait & Foot Loading
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT reviews running mechanics, calf tightness, forefoot loading patterns, and mobility considerations.
14:00 – Morton’s Neuroma, Orthotics & Footwear Choices
Discussion around nerve irritation, shoe structure, metatarsal pads, toe spreaders, and footwear transitions.
17:30 – Nutrition, Under-Fueling & the “Girl Dinner” Problem
Kelsey Pontius explains how convenience eating, low carbohydrate intake, and under-fueling can contribute to injury risk.
24:00 – Shifting Into the Athlete Mindset
Why recreational runners often underestimate their training demands and recovery needs.
28:00 – When Foot Pain Might Actually Be Coming From the Back
The importance of screening for referred pain, neural tension, and lumbar spine involvement.
34:00 – Training Load Includes More Than Running
How walking, commuting, standing at work, and social activity all contribute to overall load.
39:00 – Managing Recovery & Modifying Activity
Strategies for reducing stress on the foot while maintaining activity and supporting healing.
43:00 – Key Takeaways for Runners & Providers
Final thoughts on strength, biomechanics, fueling, and finding clinicians who understand runners.
46:00 – Closing Thoughts & Listener Questions
How listeners can submit their own running cases and support the podcast. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.
Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at runcasemiles@gmail.com.
29 MAY 2026 · What happens when a lifelong runner is forced to stop just short of a 400-day streak? In Episode 20 of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, a real case highlights the challenges of a 52-year-old runner dealing with a degenerative medial meniscus injury and the decisions that follow when running is part of your identity.
This episode covers how these injuries present, what imaging like MRI actually tells us, and why physical therapy is often just as effective as surgery for long-term outcomes. You’ll hear how biomechanics, strength, and running form all influence knee stress and what can be adjusted to stay active without making things worse.
There’s also an important conversation around nutrition and long-held beliefs in running culture, including the risks of underfueling and the pressure to chase an “ideal” race weight.
For many experienced runners, habits built over decades can become the very thing that increases injury risk. Whether you're managing knee pain, coaching athletes, or working in sports medicine, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed strategies to support recovery and longevity in the sport. Topics include:
Degenerative meniscus injuries in runners MRI vs. clinical diagnosis PT vs. surgery outcomes Running biomechanics and cadence adjustments Nutrition myths and underfueling Injury trends in long-term runners
00:00 – Introduction to the Case A 52-year-old runner’s streak ends due to knee pain
02:00 – Understanding the Medial Meniscus What it does and why it matters for runners
04:30 – Diagnosis & Imaging When MRIs are helpful—and when they aren’t
08:00 – PT vs. Surgery What the research says about outcomes
12:30 – Running Mechanics & Knee Load How form and movement patterns contribute to pain
18:00 – Strength, Stability & Gait Changes Key rehab strategies to stay running
22:30 – The “Race Weight” Mindset Why this belief can backfire
27:00 – Underfueling & Recovery How nutrition impacts healing and performance
31:00 – Long-Term Runners & Injury Risk Why experience doesn’t always mean protection
35:00 – Expert Takeaways Key insights from medicine, PT, and nutrition
39:00 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.
Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at runcasemiles@gmail.com.
15 MAY 2026 · Foot pain that lingers, comes and goes, or never fully heals can signal something more serious especially in runners. Episode 19 of Interdisciplinary Case Miles centers on a high school track athlete dealing with a navicular bone stress injury that persisted for nearly a year.
This type of injury is one of the most challenging in running due to limited blood supply, high biomechanical demand, and the need for strict management early on. This case highlights how bone stress injuries develop from a combination of training load, biomechanics, and nutrition especially low energy availability in adolescent athletes. It also addresses why navicular injuries require careful progression, non-weight bearing phases, and long-term follow-up to avoid delayed healing or recurrence.
You’ll hear how foot mechanics, posterior tibial function, and arch control influence stress at the navicular, along with how strength, mobility, and confidence all play a role in returning to sport. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of fueling, growth demands, and the unique challenges faced by youth and first-generation athletes navigating high training loads.
Whether you’re a runner dealing with stubborn foot pain, a parent supporting a young athlete, or training in high-impact environments like track, trail, or jumping sports, this episode provides clear direction on preventing and managing navicular stress injuries.
00:00 – Intro to Interdisciplinary Case Miles Overview of the podcast and today’s complex case.
01:05 – Case Overview: High School Athlete with Persistent Foot Pain Track athlete with a year-long navicular bone stress injury.
03:10 – What Is the Navicular Bone & Why It Matters Location, function, and role as the “keystone” of the arch.
06:00 – Why Navicular Stress Injuries Are High Risk Limited blood supply and challenges with healing. 09:20 – The Perfect Storm: Load, Biomechanics & Nutrition How multiple factors combine to create bone stress injuries.
12:40 – Low Energy Availability in Young Athletes How underfueling impacts bone health and recovery.
16:30 – Growth, Development & High Calorie Needs Why adolescent runners require more fuel than expected.
20:10 – Practical Fueling Strategies for Busy Athletes Snacking, meal timing, and closing energy gaps.
24:00 – Posterior Tibial Function & Foot Mechanics How pronation control affects stress at the navicular.
27:45 – Physical Therapy Approach to Navicular Injuries Strength, mobility, stability, and load management.
31:20 – Confidence & Fear in Return to Sport Mental barriers after long-term injury.
35:00 – When to Repeat Imaging & Monitor Healing Using MRI and clinical signs to guide progression.
38:40 – Surgical vs Conservative Treatment Options When athletes consider early intervention.
42:10 – Athlete Stage Matters: Youth vs Elite Decisions How treatment varies by age and competition level.
45:30 – Key Takeaways from Each Expert Education, fueling, and whole-athlete care. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.
Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at runcasemiles@gmail.com.
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Real runners. Real problems. Real solutions. The Interdisciplinary Case Miles podcast dives deep into clinical cases affecting runners of all levels, analyzed through the lens of three leading experts in...
show more
Real runners. Real problems. Real solutions.
The Interdisciplinary Case Miles podcast dives deep into clinical cases affecting runners of all levels, analyzed through the lens of three leading experts in running health. Each episode presents a runner’s story—pain, performance, or puzzling symptoms—and explores it from the collaborative perspectives of an orthopedic physical therapist, a running medicine physician, and a sports dietitian. Tune in for practical, evidence-based strategies and behind-the-scenes insight into what really helps runners return to the roads stronger than before.
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and founder of Precision Performance & Physical Therapy and Fast Bananas RUNsource. She is a researcher, author, and national speaker on running-related injuries, performance, and recovery. Kate treats runners of all levels—from recreational to professional—and specializes in working with those who haven’t had success elsewhere. She is part of the interdisciplinary team for the Atlanta Track Club Elite, serves as adjunct faculty at Emory University School of Medicine, and regularly lectures at running camps, universities, and team programs nationwide.
Dr. Sara Raiser MD, FAAPMR, CAQSM, LMT
Dr. Sara Raiser is a sports medicine physician and academic physiatrist at the University of Virginia Runner’s Clinic, where she specializes in the care of runners across all levels. Her clinical and research work focuses on bone stress injuries, gait mechanics, female athlete health, and interdisciplinary care models in running medicine. Dr. Raiser has served as team physician for Atlanta Track Club Elite, Stanford University, and several collegiate and high school programs. She brings a deeply collaborative and evidence-based approach to helping runners recover, adapt, and perform.
Kelsey Pontius, RD CSSD
Kelsey Pontius is a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics and the founder of Meteor Nutrition. A two-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, she combines elite-level athletic experience with clinical expertise to help runners fuel for performance, recovery, and health. Kelsey is the sports dietitian for Atlanta Track Club Elite and consults with NCAA Division I teams, as well as individual runners across the country. Her practice focuses on endurance nutrition, gut health, injury recovery, and hormone balance through food.
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The Interdisciplinary Case Miles podcast dives deep into clinical cases affecting runners of all levels, analyzed through the lens of three leading experts in running health. Each episode presents a runner’s story—pain, performance, or puzzling symptoms—and explores it from the collaborative perspectives of an orthopedic physical therapist, a running medicine physician, and a sports dietitian. Tune in for practical, evidence-based strategies and behind-the-scenes insight into what really helps runners return to the roads stronger than before.
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and founder of Precision Performance & Physical Therapy and Fast Bananas RUNsource. She is a researcher, author, and national speaker on running-related injuries, performance, and recovery. Kate treats runners of all levels—from recreational to professional—and specializes in working with those who haven’t had success elsewhere. She is part of the interdisciplinary team for the Atlanta Track Club Elite, serves as adjunct faculty at Emory University School of Medicine, and regularly lectures at running camps, universities, and team programs nationwide.
Dr. Sara Raiser MD, FAAPMR, CAQSM, LMT
Dr. Sara Raiser is a sports medicine physician and academic physiatrist at the University of Virginia Runner’s Clinic, where she specializes in the care of runners across all levels. Her clinical and research work focuses on bone stress injuries, gait mechanics, female athlete health, and interdisciplinary care models in running medicine. Dr. Raiser has served as team physician for Atlanta Track Club Elite, Stanford University, and several collegiate and high school programs. She brings a deeply collaborative and evidence-based approach to helping runners recover, adapt, and perform.
Kelsey Pontius, RD CSSD
Kelsey Pontius is a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics and the founder of Meteor Nutrition. A two-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, she combines elite-level athletic experience with clinical expertise to help runners fuel for performance, recovery, and health. Kelsey is the sports dietitian for Atlanta Track Club Elite and consults with NCAA Division I teams, as well as individual runners across the country. Her practice focuses on endurance nutrition, gut health, injury recovery, and hormone balance through food.
Information
| Author | Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT |
| Organization | Kate Mihevc Edwards |
| Categories | Medicine , Running |
| Website | - |
| runcasemiles@gmail.com |
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