Podiatry Today Podcasts

Podiatry Today Podcasts

Podiatry Today Podcasts delivers practical, expert-driven insights for today’s foot and ankle specialist, with a strong focus on topics including surgical techniques, sports medicine, limb salvage, and dermatologic conditions of the lower extremity. Each episode features leading podiatrists and multidisciplinary experts discussing real-world approaches to forefoot and rearfoot surgery, minimally invasive techniques, biomechanics, regenerative medicine, return-to-play decisions, and complex skin and nail pathology. Listeners will also gain perspective on practice management, coding and reimbursement, and evolving technologies that influence podiatric practice. Whether you are in private practice, academia, or training, this podcast provides actionable clinical pearls, case-based insights, and strategies you can apply immediately.

  1. 4d ago

    Unique Perspectives on Fifth Metatarsal Stress Fractures

    Has surgery become the default approach for fifth metatarsal stress fractures—and should it be? In this episode of the Podiatry Today Podcasts, Dr. Jennifer Spector welcomes back Dr. Patrick DeHeer, President of the American Podiatric Medical Association, to revisit the ongoing debate surrounding operative versus non-operative management of fifth metatarsal stress fractures. The conversation takes a fresh turn with discussion of a 2023 randomized controlled trial comparing intramedullary screw fixation to high-energy shockwave therapy in competitive athletes. With similar healing rates, functional outcomes, and complication profiles—and even a faster return to play in the shockwave group—the findings challenge long-standing assumptions about surgical necessity. Dr. DeHeer also provides critical context around study limitations, patient selection, and real-world barriers such as insurance coverage and access to advanced therapies. He shares practical insights on when surgery may still be appropriate, particularly in elite or highly active patients, and emphasizes the importance of long-term strategies like lateral column offloading to reduce refracture risk. Key topics include: Surgery vs non-surgical management of fifth metatarsal stress fractures Shockwave therapy as an emerging alternative to fixation Evidence from RCT data in athletic populations Patient selection and real-world treatment considerations Preventing recurrence through biomechanical offloading This episode is essential listening for clinicians navigating evolving evidence in stress fracture management. 👉 Follow Podiatry Today Podcasts on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify for more expert insights in foot and ankle medicine.

    8 min
  2. Jun 15

    Heel Pain Isn’t Always Plantar Fasciitis: Rethinking Strategies

    Heel pain is one of the most common complaints in podiatric practice—but are clinicians sometimes oversimplifying the diagnosis? In this episode of the Podiatry Today Podcasts, Dr. Jennifer Spector speaks with Dr. Patrick DeHeer, President of the American Podiatric Medical Association, about the complexities behind heel pain and why plantar fasciitis shouldn’t always be the default diagnosis. Dr. DeHeer explores the critical role of equinus, noting its presence in the majority of plantar fasciitis cases, and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive treatment strategies. He also shares insights on when to reconsider your diagnosis, how to monitor patient progress effectively, and which “zebra” conditions—such as Baxter’s neuritis, calcaneal stress fractures, and referred pain—clinicians should keep on their radar. Key topics include: Why heel pain is a symptom—not a diagnosis The overlooked importance of equinus in plantar fasciitis Practical diagnostic tips, including tuning fork testing and nerve palpation When to escalate care with imaging or advanced evaluation Evidence-based treatment approaches, including steroid protocols and gastroc recession If you treat heel pain, this episode will challenge your assumptions and sharpen your clinical approach. 👉 Follow Podiatry Today Podcasts on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify for more expert insights in foot and ankle medicine.

    10 min
  3. Apr 3

    Why Podiatry Is Public Health: Expanding Impact Beyond the Foot

    In this episode of the Podiatry Today Podcasts, host Dr. Jennifer Spector speaks with Shital Sharma, DPM, on the evolving role of podiatry in public health—and why the profession is more integral than ever to population health. Dr. Sharma shares insights from her experience in safety-net hospital systems and underserved communities, highlighting how podiatrists impact far more than foot and ankle conditions. From limb salvage and amputation prevention to addressing social determinants of health, podiatrists play a critical role in keeping patients mobile, employed, and living longer, healthier lives. The conversation explores practical strategies for integrating public health principles into everyday practice, including: Advocating for patients within resource-limited systems Navigating financial and administrative barriers to care Understanding the business case for advanced therapies Managing trauma and surgical patients through a public health lens Preparing residents and early-career podiatrists for real-world system challenges Dr. Sharma also discusses how podiatrists can serve as frontline identifiers of systemic disease and key connectors within interdisciplinary care teams. Whether you're in private practice, hospital-based care, or training, this episode offers actionable insights on expanding your impact beyond the clinic. Guest: Shital Sharma, DPM Host: Jennifer Spector, DPM 🎧 Listen to more episodes at Podiatry Today and follow us on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

    17 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Podiatry Today Podcasts delivers practical, expert-driven insights for today’s foot and ankle specialist, with a strong focus on topics including surgical techniques, sports medicine, limb salvage, and dermatologic conditions of the lower extremity. Each episode features leading podiatrists and multidisciplinary experts discussing real-world approaches to forefoot and rearfoot surgery, minimally invasive techniques, biomechanics, regenerative medicine, return-to-play decisions, and complex skin and nail pathology. Listeners will also gain perspective on practice management, coding and reimbursement, and evolving technologies that influence podiatric practice. Whether you are in private practice, academia, or training, this podcast provides actionable clinical pearls, case-based insights, and strategies you can apply immediately.

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