02: From Campus to Cubicle, Solving Runner’s Knee After a Life Shift

In this episode of Interdisciplinary Case Miles, Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards (physical therapist), Dr. Sara Raiser (running medicine physician), and Kelsey Pontius (sports dietitian) dive into the case of a 26-year-old former collegiate runner who now spends his time running trails, biking, and staying active outdoors. Since leaving the structured world of collegiate athletics, his lifestyle, training, and recovery patterns have shifted—bringing new challenges to his body, including persistent anterior knee pain. The team explores how running changes once the collegiate safety net of coaches, meal plans, and regimented schedules disappears. They unpack the biomechanics of patellar tendinopathy, patellar femoral knee pain, the impact of lifestyle stressors, the role of nutrition and hydration without institutional support, and the mental frustration of injury after multiple failed treatments. This conversation highlights what clinicians, athletes, and coaches need to consider when runners transition into “real life” training, and how an interdisciplinary approach can restore both performance and confidence. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a coach helping athletes through transitions, or a clinician working with frustrated runners, this case will give you practical insights into recovery, resilience, and the realities of post-college running.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & sponsor shoutout4:30 – Case intro: former collegiate runner with anterior knee pain9:15 – Physician’s perspective: imaging, biomechanics & tendinopathy15:00 – Nutrition, hydration & lifestyle after college athletics22:40 – Stress, recovery, and the mental load of long-term pain29:30 – The role of gait, bike fit, and strength training38:00 – Why multiple providers often miss the bigger picture45:15 – Interdisciplinary takeawaysThank you to our sponsor, Lever Movement. Use code Casemiles for 20% offBecome 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 [email protected].