Interdisciplinary Case Miles

Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT

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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.

  1. APR 3

    16: Plantar Fasciitis in Runners: Are You Hobbling to the Bathroom in the Morning?

    Are you hobbling to the bathroom in the morning because of heel pain? Many runners with plantar fasciitis ignore that early symptom for months until it starts affecting every run. In episode 16 of the Interdisciplinary Case Miles Podcast, Dr. Sara Raiser, sports medicine physician and running specialist, Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards, orthopedic physical therapist and running PT, and sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius break down a case involving chronic plantar fasciitis that slowly worsened over time. The case involves a 42-year-old runner who runs 3–5 miles nearly every day to manage work stress. For over a year she ignored classic plantar fasciitis symptoms, morning heel pain and stiffness after sitting because the pain would improve once she started moving. Eventually, the pain began showing up during her runs and getting worse halfway through, forcing her to finally seek help.In this episode, the team explains why plantar fasciitis often becomes a chronic plantar fasciopathy, why morning heel pain happens, and why runners often wait far too long before addressing the root causes.You’ll learn: Why morning heel pain and hobbling after sitting are classic plantar fasciitis symptomsWhy many runners develop plantar fasciitis after months or years of subtle warning signsWhy foot strength and running mechanics matter more than stretching aloneThe role of calf mobility, great toe motion, and the kinetic chain in plantar fascia loadingWhen treatments like shockwave therapy, PRP, or injections may be appropriateWhy plantar fasciitis rehab can take 6–9 months for chronic casesHow nutrition, protein intake, vitamin D, and micronutrients support connective tissue healingThe mental side of injury when running is your primary stress reliefHow long rehab realistically takesIf you're a runner struggling with heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or foot pain when you first step out of bed, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening and how to recover without giving up running. If you’re enjoying these conversations, please follow the podcast and take a moment to rate or review it. Sharing it with a runner, coach, or healthcare provider helps us reach the people who can make the biggest difference in athletes’ lives.This podcast is for runners at every level, the coaches guiding them, and the healthcare professionals who care for them. We believe interdisciplinary care leads to better outcomes  and stronger runners. 00:00 — Podcast Introduction Meet the hosts and overview of Interdisciplinary Case Miles. 01:05 — Case: Chronic Plantar Fasciitis A 42-year-old runner dealing with persistent heel pain. 03:20 — What Plantar Fasciopathy Means Why this injury is usually chronic rather than inflammatory. 05:40 — Evaluation & Diagnosis Gait analysis, imaging, and identifying root causes. 08:40 — Treatment Foundations Strengthening the foot and addressing biomechanics. 11:20 — Physical Therapy & Rehab Timeline Why recovery may take several months. 14:10 — Running Mechanics & Foot Function Key mobility and strength factors affecting the plantar fascia. 17:00 — Nutrition for Healing Protein, collagen support, and key micronutrients. 19:30 — Vegetarian Diet Considerations Ensuring adequate amino acids and nutrients. 21:10 — Mental Side of Injury Managing stress and staying engaged during recovery. 23:20 — Key Takeaways Final advice from each expert. 24:40 — Episode Wrap-Up Closing thoughts and how to submit a case. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/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.

    26 min
  2. MAR 20

    15: High Hamstring Pain in Runners: Do You Need PRP or Is Rehab the Real Fix?

    Do You Need PRP or Is Rehab the Real Fix? In Episode 15 of the Interdisciplinary Case Miles podcast, we discuss a case involving a 40-year-old age group runner whose long-standing hamstring tendinopathy became acutely aggravated after a slip on ice revealing the layered challenges of acute-on-chronic tendon pain in runners. This case highlights why proximal hamstring injuries require precise diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan. Dr. Sara Raiser(MD) explains how to differentiate high hamstring tendinopathy from lumbar spine or nerve-related pain, when imaging such as MRI or diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, and how to determine whether a partial tear is present. The conversation also covers when regenerative medicine options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or percutaneous tenotomy may be appropriate, and why they are rarely first-line treatment. Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards(PT) takes us through the rehabilitation process, including early integration after PRP, the role of blood flow restriction (BFR) training, and why eccentric strengthening remains the gold standard for tendon rehabilitation. She emphasizes addressing the entire kinetic chain hip mobility, lumbar and thoracic spine mechanics, neural tension, gait changes, and stiffness patterns that often contribute to chronic hamstring overload. You’ll also hear practical insight into return-to-run timelines, common pain spikes around the six-week mark post-PRP, and how to safely reload a healing tendon. Sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius rounds out the discussion by explaining how nutrition directly influences tendon healing and regenerative outcomes. The team discusses energy availability, protein targets, iron status, collagen-supporting micronutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and copper, and how fueling strategies can optimize recovery after procedures like PRP and during BFR training. If you’re dealing with chronic hamstring pain, considering PRP for a running injury, or navigating a return to running after a proximal hamstring tear, this episode offers evidence-informed guidance from a running medicine physician, physical therapist, and sports dietitian working collaboratively to support runner health and performance. If you’re enjoying these conversations, please follow the podcast and take a moment to rate or review it. Sharing it with a runner, coach, or healthcare provider helps us reach the people who can make the biggest difference in athletes’ lives. This podcast is for runners at every level, the coaches guiding them, and the healthcare professionals who care for them. We believe interdisciplinary care leads to better outcomes  and stronger runners. 00:00 – Welcome to Interdisciplinary Case Miles Hosts introduce the case-based, evidence-informed discussion format. 02:00 – Case Presentation: High Hamstring Pain After a Slip 40-year-old runner with chronic hamstring tightness that became acute after slipping on ice. 05:00 – Why This Case Is Tricky Chronic symptoms masked until an acute event; athletes often keep training through early tendon pain. 08:00 – Medical Evaluation Priorities Rule out lumbar spine and nerve involvement; assess for proximal hamstring tendon injury vs referral. 12:00 – Timeline Matters: Acute on Chronic Injury Long-standing tendon changes increase the likelihood of partial tearing with sudden load. 15:00 – Imaging Decisions: When and Why MRI used to confirm tendon involvement and rule out hip pathology that can mimic hamstring pain. 18:00 – Why Rehab Comes First Conservative care focuses on progressive loading, not rest, to restore tendon capacity. 21:00 – Key Biomechanics: Hip Extension Drives Load Limited hip extension shifts demand to the hamstring, increasing strain and injury risk. 24:00 – When to Consider PRP or Tenotomy Procedures introduced after failed rehab; choice depends on presence and size of tendon tear. 27:00 – PRP vs Tenotomy: Clinical Decision Making PRP for larger tears; tenotomy for smaller or degenerative tendon changes 30:00 – Post-Procedure Management Initial protection followed by gradual return to loading and early reintroduction of rehab. 33:00 – Rehab Progression After Intervention Isometrics → eccentric loading → return to running with controlled progression. 36:00 – The Biggest Mistake Runners Make Relying on passive treatments instead of structured strength and loading progression. 39:00 – Final Takeaways Sara: Rule out spine and confirm diagnosis early Kelsey: Recovery requires supporting the whole system Kate: Tendons don’t heal with rest—they need progressive load 42:00 – Closing and Where to Learn More Outro and resources for runners dealing with hamstring pain. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/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.

    34 min
  3. MAR 6

    14: Achilles Tendinopathy in Runners - Can I Keep Running?

    A 41-year-old female runner and experienced half-marathoner develops mid-Achilles tendon pain, morning stiffness, and a noticeable bump along the tendon. Symptoms improve after warming up but return with longer runs, leaving her caught in the common cycle of pushing through pain, resting without progress, and uncertainty about what actually helps. She wonders if her tendon, “hurts at the start but warms up, is that okay?” In this episode of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, Dr. Sara Raiser (MD) , Kelsey Pontius, and Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards (PT) discuss the clinical presentation of Achilles tendinopathy, why it often becomes chronic, and why complete rest is rarely the solution.Key topics include: Tendon loading principles and why tendons require progressive strength workBiomechanical contributors such as foot control, dorsiflexion limits, hip extension, and proximal weaknessThe role of perimenopause, estrogen changes, and life stress in tendon vulnerabilityNutrition foundations for tendon healing, including energy availability, collagen synthesis, and carbohydrate supportPractical considerations around footwear, heel-to-toe drop changes, and carbon-plated shoesIf you’re enjoying these conversations, please follow the podcast and take a moment to rate or review it. Sharing it with a runner, coach, or healthcare provider helps us reach the people who can make the biggest difference in athletes’ lives.This podcast is for runners at every level, the coaches guiding them, and the healthcare professionals who care for them. We believe interdisciplinary care leads to better outcomes  and stronger runners. 00:00 – Welcome to Interdisciplinary Case MilesHosts introduce the evidence-informed case format. 02:05 – Case Presentation: Mid-Achilles Pain in a Half-Marathon Runner Morning stiffness, crepitus, tendon thickening, and pain that fluctuates during runs. 05:10 – Why These Cases Are Challenging The warm-up effect, post-run soreness, and training “push-through” patterns. 08:20 – Medical Evaluation Priorities Training changes, hormonal factors, surgery history, and load management. 12:30 – Tendons Require More Than Rest Why conservative care emphasizes strength, mechanics, and progressive loading. 16:10 – Foot Posture and the Kinetic Chain Rigid vs flexible feet, arches, glute engagement, and core contribution. 20:05 – Achilles Mechanics: The “Wringing Out” Effect How pronation and poor control increase tendon stress. 24:40 – Running With Tendinopathy: Pain Monitoring Guidelines When continued running can be appropriate and how to track symptom response. 28:10 – PT Interventions: Eccentrics, BFR, and Load Progression Strength-based tendon rehab and improving blood flow. 32:45 – Nutrition for Tendon Healing Energy availability, collagen synthesis decline with age, and micronutrient support. 37:20 – Collagen Supplement Timing and Practical Use Why collagen works best 30–60 minutes before tendon loading. 41:10 – During-Run Fueling and Injury Risk Carbohydrate needs, glycogen depletion, fatigue-related mechanics breakdown. 45:30 – Chronic Tendon Changes Take Time Why tendinopathy develops over years and requires patience in rehab. 48:10 – Proximal Drivers: Low Back, Hip Extension, and Glute Function How upstream issues overload the Achilles. 52:20 – Footwear Considerations and Heel-to-Toe Drop Shifts Carbon-plated shoes, shoe rotation, cushion effects, and transition errors. 57:30 – Final Takeaways Sara: Tendon recovery takes time but allows continued activityKelsey: Fueling protects long-term tissue healthKate: Rest alone fails tendons need load and strength adaptation1:01:30 – Closing and Case Submission Info Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/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.

    23 min
  4. FEB 20

    13: From Pool to Pavement: Low Ferritin, Bone Stress Injuries, and the Swimmer-to-Runner Trap

    What happens when a highly conditioned collegiate swimmer transitions into marathon training too quickly? In this episode of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, a 23-year-old former swimmer increases weekly mileage from 15–20 miles to 40 miles, adds hills and speed work, and begins to worry about low ferritin when performance stalls.What initially appears to be an iron concern reveals a broader picture involving low energy availability, fueling gaps, training load errors, and bone stress injury risk, ultimately resulting in a diagnosis of femoral shaft stress fracture.Dr. Sara Raiser (running medicine physician), Kelsey Pontius (sports dietitian), and Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards (physical therapist) discuss: Why ferritin is often a marker of a larger issueThe relationship between nutrition, iron stores, and bone healthUnique injury risks when transitioning from non-weight-bearing sportsHow cardiovascular fitness can exceed musculoskeletal readinessRehabilitation principles, plyometric loading, and safe return-to-run progressionsThis episode is essential listening for runners, clinicians, coaches, and endurance athletes navigating performance concerns, injury prevention, and the demands of marathon training. 00:00 – Welcome to Interdisciplinary Case MilesMeet the hosts and the evidence-informed approach behind real runner cases. 02:10 – The Case Introduction A former collegiate swimmer increases mileage from 20 to 40 miles/week while marathon training. 04:45 – “Is It My Ferritin?” Why athletes fixate on iron and ferritin when performance plateaus .07:30 – Ferritin vs Iron Explained What ferritin actually represents and why it changes slowly. 10:15 – Red Flags for Low Energy Availability Sleep, libido, GI symptoms, recovery, and early warning signs of REDs. 15:40 – Nutrition, Bone Density, and Stress Injury Risk How low ferritin, low energy intake, and bone health intersect. 18:30 – Thigh Pain Isn’t “Just a Quad Strain” Why distance runner thigh pain raises concern for femoral stress fractures. 22:15 – Diagnosing a Femoral Shaft Stress Fracture Why this injury matters and how it differs from higher-risk stress fractures. 26:40 – The Swimmer-to-Runner Problem Cardio fitness vs bone loading, gravity, and anti-gravity sports. 31:50 – The Three Pillars: Nutrition, Training Errors, Biomechanics A framework for evaluating bone stress injuries. 36:20 – Training Errors That Add Up Fast Mileage spikes, speed work, lack of rest, and life stress post-college. 41:10 – Starting PT Before You Run Again Strength, education, and early rehab during protected weight-bearing. 45:30 – Plyometrics, Bone Loading, and Return-to-Run Why jumping matters and how bones adapt to force. 50:40 – Bone Geometry, Density, and Multi-Directional Movement Why specialization matters—especially in adolescence. 55:30 – The “Engine vs Chassis” Problem When cardiovascular fitness outpaces muscles, tendons, and bones. 59:20 – Why Return-to-Run Feels So Hard Managing athlete frustration while protecting long-term health. 1:02:30 – Final Takeaways from Each Expert Big-picture thinking, history matters, and don’t self-coach in isolation. 1:06:00 – Wrap-Up & How to Submit a Case Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/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.

    24 min
  5. FEB 6

    12: Exertional Leg Pain in Runners — Diagnosis, Gait, and Fueling

    In this episode of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, Co-hosts Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards (PT), Dr. Sara Raiser (MD) and Kelsey Pontius (RD) discuss a case about a exertional leg pain in a 19-year-old collegiate distance runner. Dr. Sarah Raiser leads this case and explains how exertional leg pain can present in runners, outlining key diagnoses such as chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES). The discussion also covers how these conditions differ from stress fractures, nerve-related pain, and other causes of lower-leg symptoms, as well as how these cases are properly evaluated and diagnosed.Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards addresses the physical therapy and gait-related factors that may contribute to exertional leg pain, including overstriding, crossover gait, heavy landings, strength deficits, and footwear considerations. She discusses when conservative management may be appropriate, when surgery may be indicated, and the importance of runner-specific, functional strength training during rehabilitation.Sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius shares the nutrition considerations relevant to these cases, including hydration, blood flow, anti-inflammatory nutrition, nitrates, and the role of adequate fueling to support recovery, gait changes, and long-term adaptation—particularly in injured collegiate and high-level runners.Key topics in this episode include: Common causes of exertional leg pain in runnersChronic exertional compartment syndrome vs. other diagnosesGait retraining and physical therapy considerationsSurgical and non-surgical treatment optionsThe role of fueling and hydration in injury recoveryThis episode is relevant for runners experiencing persistent lower-leg pain, clinicians working with endurance athletes, athletes, coaches and anyone interested in an interdisciplinary, evidence-informed approach to running injuries. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/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.

    25 min
  6. JAN 23

    11: Shin Splints or Bone Stress Injury in Teen Runners

    Welcome to Interdisciplinary Case Miles, a podcast where real runner stories meet clinical expertise. In Episode 11, Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards (PT), Dr. Sara Raiser (MD), and sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius break down a common but often misunderstood injury: shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) in adolescent runners. Using the case of a 15-year-old male cross-country runner with bilateral shin pain, the team explores why shin splints are so prevalent in this age group and how rapid growth, training load changes, biomechanics, footwear, surfaces, and nutrition all intersect. The discussion highlights the critical role of energy availability, especially during periods of rapid growth, and why skipping meals, inadequate fueling, and school-related barriers to eating can contribute to ongoing symptoms. The hosts also discuss how shin splints can look very different depending on the athlete’s age and training history ranging from sudden spikes in mileage to more complex, layered cases involving chronic pain, stress, and low energy availability. From a physical therapy perspective, the episode covers gait patterns during growth spurts, strength and mobility needs, and the importance of collaborating with coaches and parents to support young athletes. In this episode you’ll learn: What shin splints are and how they differ from other bone stress injuriesWhy adolescents are at higher risk during growth spurtsThe role of nutrition and energy availability in healing shin painCommon fueling challenges for high school athletesHow training load, surfaces, shoes, and spikes affect shin stressWhy interdisciplinary care leads to better outcomes for young runners As always, this episode reinforces a core message of Interdisciplinary Case Miles: shin splints aren’t just a “training issue” or a “nutrition issue” they’re often both. Supporting young runners requires understanding the whole picture and meeting athletes where they are. Subscribe for evidence-informed conversations on running health Like, rate, and share this episode with parents, coaches, and runners Have a case you’d like us to discuss? Email us at runcasemiles@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/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.

    22 min
  7. JAN 9

    10: Glute Tendinopathy & The Impact of Hormones in a Female Runner During the Menopause Transition

    Welcome to Interdisciplinary Case Miles, a podcast where real runner stories meet clinical expertise. In this episode, Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards (PT), Dr. Sara Raiser (MD), and sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius present a common but often misdiagnosed case of glute tendinopathy in a female runner during the menopause transition. This case goes over running biomechanics, hormonal changes, nutrition, sleep, and recovery. The team explores how perimenopause and menopause-related hormonal shifts particularly changes in estrogen can affect tendon health, joint lubrication, gut function, nutrient absorption, sleep quality, and overall healing capacity. This episode discusses misconceptions around weight, health, fueling, and aging, emphasizing that bodies are meant to change and that under-fueling, overtraining, and “black-and-white” health advice can slow recovery and increase injury risk. The hosts discuss why glute tendinopathy is often misdiagnosed as bursitis, how to properly evaluation lateral hip pain, and why a stepwise, individualized approach to care is essential. Some of the main topics include: -The role of hormones in tendon health and injury risk -Why weight is not a reliable indicator of health -The importance of adequate fueling, including carbohydrates, during midlife transitions -How sleep, stress, and digestion impact healing -Why interdisciplinary care leads to better outcomes for runners This episode reinforces a core theme of the podcast: there are no one-size-fits-all answers in medicine or performance. By understanding the whole person and working with the body rather than against it runners can recover more effectively, reduce injury risk, and continue doing what they love.                                                                                                                       00:00 Welcome to Interdisciplinary Case Miles 01:25 Meet the Hosts & Their Clinical Roles 04:00 What We’ve Been Working On Lately 06:15 Kelsey’s New Ebook: Miles & Meals 09:30 Outreach, Education & Bridging the Gap in Running Medicine 13:10 Returning to Running After Health Challenges 16:20 Introducing the Case: Lateral Hip Pain in a Midlife Runner 19:45 Nutrition, Hormones & Gut Health in Perimenopause 24:30 Bodies Are Meant to Change 28:40 Weight Is Not Health & The Risk of Under-Fueling 33:20 Why Glute Tendinopathy Is Often Misdiagnosed as Bursitis 38:10 Estrogen, Collagen & Tendon Healing 43:50 Biomechanics, Hip Load & Physical Therapy Considerations 49:30 Pelvic Floor, Core Health & Hip Pain 53:40 Sleep, Stress & Recovery During Midlife Transitions 57:45 Doing Less to Heal More 01:01:30 Key Takeaways from Each Expert 01:04:10 Final Thoughts & How to Connect with the Team Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/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.

    32 min
  8. 12/26/2025

    09: Knee OA in the Master Runner, Should You Keep Running?

    Welcome to Interdisciplinary Case Miles, a podcast where real runner stories meet clinical expertise. In Episode 10, Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards (PT), Dr. Sara Raiser (MD), and sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius address a very common question: Can you keep running with knee osteoarthritis? Using the case of a 60-year-old male runner with knee OA, the team walks through how clinicians evaluate pain, imaging, goals, and functional limitations to help runners make informed decisions about continuing to train. The discussion covers activity modification, gait retraining, strength and mobility work, physical therapy, injections, regenerative medicine options, and when knee replacement may become part of the conversation. The episode also highlights the role of nutrition, hydration, inflammation management, and consistency in supporting joint health and long-term running longevity especially for master’s athletes. As always, rather than offering black-and-white answers, the hosts emphasize individualized care, realistic expectations, and meeting runners where they are. This episode reinforces a core message of Interdisciplinary Case Miles: staying active with OA is often possible, but it requires an individualized, interdisciplinary approach. In this episode, you’ll learn: How knee osteoarthritis is evaluated in runnersWhen running may still be appropriate and how to modify itThe role of physical therapy, gait retraining, and strength workInjection and regenerative medicine options for knee OANutrition strategies to support joint health and recoveryHow to think about longevity, pain management, and performance 00:00 – 02:30 | What this podcast is about An interdisciplinary approach to keeping runners healthy and active.02:30 – 05:00 | The case: 60-year-old runner with knee OA Anterior/medial knee pain and the big question—can I keep running?05:00 – 09:30 | How clinicians decide if running is appropriate Imaging, goals, symptom history, and functional exams matter more than age alone.09:30 – 13:30 | Using pain to guide training decisions Why pain doesn’t have to be zero—but must stay controlled to avoid gait changes.13:30 – 18:30 | Physical therapy priorities for knee OA Balance, quad/glute/core strength, and restoring mobility across the kinetic chain.18:30 – 23:00 | Injection options explained Steroids vs. hyaluronic acid (“oil change”) and realistic expectations for pain relief.23:00 – 27:30 | Regenerative medicine: who benefits most PRP, mild-to-moderate OA, bone pain considerations, and insurance realities.27:30 – 32:30 | Gait retraining and shoe changes Cadence, footwear, and subtle form tweaks to reduce knee stress while running.32:30 – 36:30 | Training modifications for longevity Cross-training, deloads, and strategic adjustments instead of stopping running.36:30 – 41:00 | Running after knee replacement Current recommendations, real-world experiences, and individualized decisions.41:00 – 46:00 | Nutrition strategies to support joint health Anti-inflammatory foods, hydration challenges in master’s athletes, and consistency.46:00 – 49:30 | Lifestyle factors that affect recovery Eating patterns, fueling consistency, and supporting healing capacity.49:30 – 52:00 | Key takeaways & closing thoughts Pain management, teamwork, and why nutrition is always part of the equation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/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.

    21 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.

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