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Interdisciplinary Case Miles

Interdisciplinary Case Miles

By: Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT
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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.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.Copyright Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • 16: Plantar Fasciitis in Runners: Are You Hobbling to the Bathroom in the Morning?

    16: Plantar Fasciitis in Runners: Are You Hobbling to the Bathroom in the Morning?
    Apr 3 2026
    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 symptoms
    • Why many runners develop plantar fasciitis after months or years of subtle warning signs
    • Why foot strength and running mechanics matter more than stretching alone
    • The role of calf mobility, great toe motion, and the kinetic chain in plantar fascia loading
    • When treatments like shockwave therapy, PRP, or injections may be appropriate
    • Why plantar fasciitis rehab can take 6–9 months for chronic cases
    • How nutrition, protein intake, vitamin D, and micronutrients support connective tissue healing
    • The mental side of injury when running is your primary stress relief
    • How long rehab realistically takes
    If 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.
    Show more Show less
    26 mins
  • 15: High Hamstring Pain in Runners: Do You Need PRP or Is Rehab the Real Fix?

    15: High Hamstring Pain in Runners: Do You Need PRP or Is Rehab the Real Fix?
    Mar 20 2026
    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 MilesHosts introduce the case-based, evidence-informed discussion format.02:00 – Case Presentation: High Hamstring Pain After a Slip40-year-old runner with chronic hamstring tightness that became acute after slipping on ice.05:00 – Why This Case Is TrickyChronic symptoms masked until an acute event; athletes often keep training through early tendon pain.08:00 – Medical Evaluation PrioritiesRule out lumbar spine and nerve involvement; assess for proximal hamstring tendon injury vs referral.12:00 – Timeline Matters: Acute on Chronic InjuryLong-standing tendon changes increase the likelihood of partial tearing with sudden load.15:00 – Imaging Decisions: When and WhyMRI used to confirm tendon involvement and rule out hip pathology that can mimic hamstring pain.18:00 – Why Rehab Comes FirstConservative care focuses on progressive loading, not rest, to restore tendon capacity.21:00 – Key Biomechanics: Hip Extension Drives LoadLimited hip extension shifts demand to the hamstring, increasing strain and injury risk.24:00 – When to Consider PRP or TenotomyProcedures introduced after failed rehab; choice depends on presence and size of tendon tear.27:00 – PRP vs Tenotomy: Clinical Decision MakingPRP for larger tears; tenotomy for smaller or degenerative tendon changes30:00 – Post-Procedure ManagementInitial protection followed by gradual return to loading and early reintroduction of rehab.33:00 – Rehab Progression After InterventionIsometrics → eccentric loading → return to running with controlled progression.36:00 – The Biggest Mistake Runners MakeRelying on passive treatments instead of structured strength and loading progression.39:00 – Final TakeawaysSara: Rule out spine and confirm diagnosis earlyKelsey: Recovery requires supporting the whole systemKate: Tendons don’t heal with rest—they need progressive load42:00 – Closing and Where to Learn MoreOutro 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. ...
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    34 mins
  • 14: Achilles Tendinopathy in Runners - Can I Keep Running?

    14: Achilles Tendinopathy in Runners - Can I Keep Running?
    Mar 6 2026
    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 work
    • Biomechanical contributors such as foot control, dorsiflexion limits, hip extension, and proximal weakness
    • The role of perimenopause, estrogen changes, and life stress in tendon vulnerability
    • Nutrition foundations for tendon healing, including energy availability, collagen synthesis, and carbohydrate support
    • Practical considerations around footwear, heel-to-toe drop changes, and carbon-plated shoes
    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 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 activity
    • Kelsey: Fueling protects long-term tissue health
    • Kate: Rest alone fails tendons need load and strength adaptation
    1:01:30 – 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.
    Show more Show less
    23 mins
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