
Hosted by Dr. Christopher Segler · EN

If you’ve had multiple fifth metatarsal fractures and you also have osteoporosis, can you still run safely? Many runners assume the answer is automatically “no.” But that is not necessarily true. In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains how runners with osteoporosis can sometimes continue running safely after stress fractures or fifth metatarsal fractures—as long as they understand the specific risks that may have caused the fractures in the first place. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why osteoporosis increases stress fracture risk • Why repeated fifth metatarsal fractures may not just be about bone density • How road slope can overload the fifth metatarsal • Why biomechanics matter in recurrent fractures • The difference between healing and remodeling • Why runners with osteoporosis have to be more vigilant about stress management • The key questions runners should ask before returning to training The goal is not simply avoiding fractures. The goal is staying active without re-injuring the bone.

What is the fastest way to calm down extensor tenosynovitis when you are a runner trying to keep training? In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains his personal “secret weapon” for reducing inflammation in extensor tenosynovitis and helping runners get back to training faster. Extensor tenosynovitis happens when the tendon sheaths on the top of the foot become irritated and inflamed. It can become painful with every step, every toe movement, and every run. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What extensor tenosynovitis actually is • Why inflammation inside the tendon sheath becomes so painful • Why tight shoelaces often trigger the problem • Why oral anti-inflammatory medications may not help much • The risks of corticosteroid injections around tendons • How the contrast bath routine works • Why alternating hot and cold water may rapidly reduce swelling • How runners can calm irritation while protecting fitness The goal is not simply reducing pain. The goal is calming the inflammation fast enough that you can safely get back to running.

If you have a stress fracture and you’re trying to figure out whether it is safe to run again, should you get an MRI or a CT scan? Many runners assume there is one perfect imaging test that can tell them exactly when they are cleared to run. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains the real difference between MRI scans and CT scans for stress fractures, what each test actually shows, and why imaging alone often does not give runners the “green light” to return to training. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why MRI is usually better for detecting early stress reactions • Why CT scans are better at identifying true cracks in bone • Why inflammation on MRI does not always mean you cannot run • How bone remodeling can confuse runners and radiologists • Why repeat imaging can sometimes create more confusion • How CT scans may help determine whether a fracture is truly healing • Why imaging findings have to match your symptoms and training goals The goal is not simply getting another scan. The goal is understanding whether the bone is actually tolerating stress well enough for you to safely return to running.

What happens when a former professional triathlete and endurance coach suddenly develops a painful plantar plate sprain? In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler speaks with Marcus, a former professional triathlete and current triathlon coach from Brazil, during a real running injury strategy call focused on plantar plate injuries in runners and triathletes. Marcus had to cancel an upcoming 45K trail race after developing sudden pain under the ball of the foot consistent with a plantar plate sprain. During the call, they discuss how plantar plate injuries develop, why bunions and shoe selection can increase stress on the plantar plate ligament, and how endurance athletes can protect the injured ligament while maintaining fitness. They also discuss: • Why MRIs often fail to tell the whole story with plantar plate tears • Whether carbon-plated running shoes can reduce plantar plate strain • How to maintain fitness without worsening the injury • Why boots alone are often not enough • The biggest mistakes runners make during plantar plate recovery • How shoe construction can affect forefoot stress • Why triathletes are uniquely vulnerable to forefoot overload injuries If you’re a runner or triathlete struggling with forefoot pain, second toe pain, a plantar plate tear, or a plantar plate sprain, this episode will help you better understand the injury and what actually matters during recovery.

If you have popping or clicking around the outside of your ankle, do you actually need peroneal tendon surgery? Not necessarily. In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains the 5 reasons runners might actually consider surgery for painful popping peroneal tendons—and why many runners may not need surgery at all. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What the peroneal tendons actually do • Why peroneal tendons pop or click • When popping is actually dangerous • The difference between painful instability and harmless clicking • Why some split peroneal tendons heal without surgery • The most important question runners forget to ask surgeons • How to think about surgery from a runner’s perspective The real goal is not simply fixing the tendon. The goal is getting back to running.

How do you know if your stress reaction just turned into a stress fracture? That’s one of the most important questions a runner can ask—because once there’s a crack in the bone, everything changes. In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains the 5 key signs that indicate your stress reaction may have progressed into a true stress fracture. Understanding these signs can help you avoid making the injury worse and make smarter decisions about training and recovery. In this episode, you’ll learn: • The difference between a stress reaction and a stress fracture • Why that distinction matters for runners • The 5 warning signs your injury has progressed • The most reliable sign that you may have a crack in the bone • Why bruising is a major red flag • How to think about injury severity when making training decisions If you want a clearer way to assess your injury, get the free Stress Fracture or Injury Self-Assessment Worksheet at: https://www.stressfracturesecrets.com/mistake

If you have plantar fasciitis and you’re trying to keep running, you’ve probably been told to stretch, rest, or stop running altogether. But what if the solution is much simpler? In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains the one simple trick he personally used to fix his plantar fasciitis while training for Ironman races—without stopping running. This episode breaks down how small biomechanical changes can dramatically reduce stress on the plantar fascia and allow healing while maintaining fitness. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What the plantar fascia actually does • Why plantar fasciitis develops in runners • How road slope changes stress on your foot • The simple adjustment that reduced strain instantly • Why small changes can make a big difference in healing • When this trick will work—and when it won’t

If you have a calcaneal stress fracture and a 100-mile race on your calendar, the question is simple… Can you still run it? In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler lets you listen in on a real strategy call with an ultrarunner trying to decide whether he can complete a 100-mile race in just over two months after being diagnosed with a calcaneal stress fracture. This episode breaks down the real risks, the real decisions, and the exact strategy needed to balance healing with maintaining fitness. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why calcaneal stress fractures are especially risky for runners • The biggest danger that could permanently end your running • The 3 key signs that tell you if you're getting better or worse • How to maintain fitness without making the fracture worse • The most dangerous time before your race (when most runners make mistakes) • How to find the exact line between healing and training If you want a clearer way to assess your injury, get the free Stress Fracture or Injury Self-Assessment Worksheet at: https://www.stressfracturesecrets.com/mistake

What do you do if you’ve been training for months and suddenly get a stress fracture right before your race? In this episode, I explain the four real options runners have when they don’t want to cancel—and how to think about risk, recovery, and still crossing the finish line. If you want a clearer way to assess your injury, get the free Stress Fracture or Injury Self-Assessment Worksheet at: https://www.stressfracturesecrets.com/mistake

If you have been out of running for weeks with a fibular stress fracture and the pain is gone, but you still feel a little pressure at the injury site, should you wait until you are 100% symptom-free before trying to jog again? That is the question in this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Segler explains why the answer is not based on time alone. Just because you have stopped running for four to six weeks does not automatically mean the bone is ready for impact. What matters more is whether your symptoms are improving, whether you can tolerate increasing load without worsening symptoms, and whether you have rebuilt enough strength and stability to run safely. In this episode, you will learn: Why “no pain” does not always mean “fully healed” Why a slight sensation does not automatically mean you are not ready The 3 key factors to assess before a return-to-run test Why the fibula is lower risk than the tibia, but still needs a careful approach The biggest mistakes runners make when returning after a stress fracture How to know if your recovery progression is actually working If you want a clearer way to assess your injury, get the free Stress Fracture or Injury Self-Assessment Worksheet at: https://www.stressfracturesecrets.com/mistake