Doc On The Run Podcast

#218 Races do not cause running injuries

Races really don't injure runners.

Any runner who gets injured in a race really did the damage long before the actual running event.

During the build phase, you actually feel really strong. Your muscles are getting stronger. Your aerobic fitness is in good shape. 

But your tendons, ligaments and bones don’t build strength as fast as the muscles. 

They are all actually more prone to injury during that phase. The big build phases of training are also where you happen to ramp up your workout intensity and your running volume. 

And that's when most people get injured, not surprisingly. 

Today on the Doc On The Run podcast we're talking about how races don't cause running injuries. 

#217 Do not look for a cure through a clouded lens

I believe in research. I am absolutely convinced that if the study or clinical trial shows a high likelihood you will have an adverse event like a heart attack or stroke when you take a medication, you probably should not take that medication.

Clinical research can show you very clearly what you should not do. 

Clinical research however does not always show you so clearly what you should do.

And that is where things start to get cloudy. 

Today on the Doc On The Run podcast, we’re talking about why runners should not look for a cure through a clouded lens.

#216 The 8 places where runners foot fungus lives in your home

Toenail fungus is gross! 

And believe it or not, toenail fungus, the stuff that causes athlete's foot, it's all the same, and it lives in your home.

If you get toenail fungus or if you get athlete's foot and you're treating either of those fungal infections on your feet and you're a runner, you have to make sure that you get rid of all of the fungus in the areas in your home where it accumulates if you really want to get rid of it for good. 

Otherwise, if you spray some stuff on your skin, if you apply some stuff to your toenails, if you get laser treatment for your toenails or any of those things, and you don't eradicate all of the fungus from your home, you're just going to re-expose yourself to it, and you're way more likely to get reinfected later.

Today on the Doc On The Run podcast, we're talking about the 8 places where runners foot fungus lives in your home.

#215 Plantar Fasciitis First Aid for Runners

When plantar fasciitis first starts, doctors call that an “acute case” of plantar fasciitis.

Acute plantar fasciitis (which just started) should be treated differently than chronic plantar fasciitis (that has been around for months). 

There are 2 common mistakes runners make with plantar fasciitis.

There are also 3 things runners should so do right when plantar fasciitis begins if you really want it heal and get back to running as quickly as possible. 

If you do everything right, you should notice a huge improvement in just a few days.

Today on the Doc on the Run podcast, we're talking about first aid for plantar fasciitis in runners.

#214 Will I run again after broken metatarsal surgery

If you run and ignore that aching pain in your foot it could be a metatarsal stress fracture.

If you're strong as an ox and half as smart and you keep running, and ignore the pain, you could actually break the metatarsal bone.

If the broken metatarsal bone moves out of position your doctor may recommend surgery to put the bone back in its proper position and stabilize it with pins, plates and screws.

The big question is whether or not you should be able to run after you heal.

Today on the Doc on the Run podcast, we're talking about whether or not you're going to be able to run again after broken metatarsal surgery. 

#213 Can I run with this injury? No. Maybe. or Probably.

Most of the time when runners go to the doctor with a running injury, the doctor tells you to quit running.

The doctor is simply trying to pick the simplest fastest way to reduce the stress and strain on the injured tissue.

But of course, runners want to run. Whenever runners call me for a consultation and it is always because they really want to know the answer to one specific question:

“Can I run with this injury?” 

The answer is never as simple as either yes or no.

Today on the Doc On The Run podcast, we're talking about the difference no, maybe and probable, an injured runner and you're trying to figure out whether or not you can run and still heal.

#212 What is a displaced vs non displaced fracture?

If you a runner in training and you break one of your toes, or snap a metatarsal bone, you may worry about hoe long you need to stop running. 

When you are get a fractured bone, you probably want to know what it will take to heal the bone and how quickly it is going to heal. 

One of the ways doctors classify broken bones in the feet and toes is whether it is a “displaced fracture" or a “non-displaced fracture." 

Today on the Doc On The Run podcast, we're talking about the difference between a a displaced vs non displaced fracture, and what it means if you are a runner. 

#211 MRI or CT scan of my foot which is better for a runner

Yesterday I was talking to a runner who had an ankle sprain that didn't improve. After about a year of not be able to run, having pain when walking and becoming really frustrated with not being able to run, he called me for a second opinion. 

During that discussion he asked me whether or not it would be better to get an MRI or a CT scan to evaluate the bone, joint and surrounding soft tissue to determine what was really going on and preventing him from getting back to running. 

Today on the Doc On The Run podcast, we're talking about whether an MRI or CT of your foot is better when you have a running injury.

#210 The Number 1 Mistake runners make in the first week of a running injury

Anytime you make a mistake in training, push a little too hard and get injured, you have pain.  That pain creates an urgent need for answers. Specifically a need to answer three specific questions: 

1. What is causing this pain? What is the diagnosis?  

2. What is the treatment? What can I have to do to heal it? 

3. How fast is it going to get better?   

Basically you want to know what happened, and how quickly you can fix it. You want to put a name on the problem, start the correct treatment and have an expectation of how quickly that treatment will give you the result you want. 

Above all else, you want to know when you can run.

#209 How to tell a bruise under the toenail from toenail fungus

Runners often get dark discoloration in the toenails. That discoloring can happen after long runs, trail runs, wearing ill-fitting running shoes or trauma.

The question is whether or not the dark brown, blue or black area in the toenail is just a bruise or something more ominous. 

If you get a bruise under the toenail, it will gradually get better.

If you get toenail fungus, it will gradually get worse.

Today on the Doc On the Run podcast we're talking about how a runner can tell a bruise under the toenail from toenail fungus.