Episode
21: Forefoot Pain in Runners: Understanding Metatarsalgia & Training Load
- Podcast
- Interdisciplinary Case Miles
- Published
- Jun 12, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1358
- Processing state
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Summary
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…