OrthoEducation

A broken shoulder can happen in an instant—but recovery takes time, patience, and the right treatment. In this episode, we explore proximal humerus fractures, one of the most common shoulder fractures, especially in older adults after a fall. We explain what part of the shoulder is injured, why these fractures occur, and why some can heal with a simple sling while others require surgery. Using cle...

Why does your hip hurt when you sit for long periods, get out of a car, squat, or play sports? In this episode, we explore femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a common cause of hip and groin pain that occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together as smoothly as they should. Over time, this abnormal contact can damage important structures in the hip, including the labrum and...

What happens when a bone loses its blood supply? In this episode, we explore avascular necrosis (AVN)—also called osteonecrosis—a condition where part of a bone begins to die because it no longer receives enough blood flow. Although AVN is uncommon, it can lead to severe pain, joint damage, and even collapse of the affected bone if left untreated. Using clear and easy-to-understand explanations, w...

Flatfeet are common—but when the arch of the foot begins to collapse and pain develops, everyday activities like walking, standing, or exercising can become difficult. In this episode, we explore acquired adult flatfoot deformity, also known as progressive collapsing foot deformity, a condition caused by stretching and dysfunction of the important posterior tibial tendon on the inside of the ankle...

Nerves are the body’s communication system—carrying signals that allow you to move, feel, and react. But what happens when that system is disrupted? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of nerve injuries, breaking down how and why they occur, and what it means when those vital signals are slowed, damaged, or completely lost. Using clear, real-life examples, we walk through the three m...

What happens when your bones are pushed just a little too far, day after day? In this episode, we break down the fascinating story behind stress fractures—tiny cracks in bone that develop over time from repeated pressure rather than a single injury. Using simple, real-world examples, we explain how activities like running, jumping, or sudden increases in training can overload the body’s natural ab...

In this episode, we take a closer look at glenoid labral tears , a common but often misunderstood cause of shoulder pain and instability. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps keep the shoulder joint stable, and when it tears, patients may experience pain, clicking, weakness, or a feeling that the shoulder is “slipping” or unstable . We explore how these injuries occur—whether from a sudden...

In this episode, we explore sciatica , a common condition that causes pain to travel from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in the body—becomes irritated or compressed , most often due to problems in the lower spine such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or age-related changes in the spine. We explain why sciatic nerve...

In this episode, we take a closer look at shin splints , one of the most common causes of lower leg pain in runners, walkers, and athletes. Shin splints—also known as medial tibial stress syndrome or tibial periostitis —cause aching pain along the front or inner part of the shin bone (tibia). The condition often develops after a sudden increase in activity, such as starting a new running program,...

Ouch on the Inside: Understanding MCL Sprains of the Knee breaks down one of the most common knee injuries seen in sports and everyday activity. In this episode, we explain what the medial collateral ligament (MCL) does, how it helps stabilize the inner side of the knee, and why it is often injured when the knee is hit from the outside or twisted awkwardly. We walk through common symptoms such as...

Back Under Pressure: Osteoporosis and Compression Fractures explores one of the most common—and often misunderstood—spine injuries affecting older adults. In this episode, we break down what spinal compression fractures are, how osteoporosis weakens bone and allows vertebrae to collapse under everyday pressure, and why many people may have fractures without even knowing it. We discuss common sympt...

In this episode, we take a clear, practical look at Dupuytren’s contracture—a common hand condition that can cause fingers to gradually bend toward the palm and make everyday tasks more difficult. We break down what Dupuytren’s contracture is, who is most likely to develop it, and how it typically progresses over time. You’ll learn how doctors diagnose the condition, including simple exam findings...

Breaking the Shin: Understanding Tibial Shaft Fractures explores one of the most common serious injuries to the lower leg—the fracture of the tibial shaft, or shinbone. In this episode, we explain how these fractures happen, from high-energy injuries like car crashes and sports trauma to lower-energy falls, especially in older adults. We walk through how tibial shaft fractures are diagnosed, the d...

Out of Joint: A Deep Dive into Shoulder Instability breaks down why the shoulder can feel loose, slip, or even pop out of place—and what can be done about it. Because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, it is also one of the easiest to injure, especially after a dislocation, repetitive overhead activity, or in people with naturally flexible joints. In this episode, we explain what s...

Why Your Heel Hurts: A Deep Dive into Plantar Fasciitis explores the most common cause of heel pain—and why those first steps in the morning can be so painful. In this episode, we break down what plantar fasciitis is, where the pain comes from, and why everyday activities like standing, walking, or running can keep symptoms coming back. Using information from the Foot Education section of the free...

Grip, Pinch, Pain: A Deep Dive into Thumb Arthritis takes listeners inside one of the most common—and often misunderstood—causes of hand pain: thumb arthritis , also known as CMC arthritis or basal joint arthritis . In this episode, we break down what happens when the cartilage at the base of the thumb wears away, why this joint is so essential for gripping and pinching, and why arthritis in this...

Are you an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just trying to understand that sudden, sharp pain in the back of your thigh? Then join us for Pulled Hamstrings: The Back of the Leg Breakdown, the podcast that takes the mystery out of one of the most common sports injuries. We dive deep into the anatomy of the hamstring muscles, explaining exactly how a pulled hamstring happens—from mild Grade 1 strains...

Ever taken a hard hit to the leg that left you limping, bruised, and wondering what exactly just happened? In this episode, Battered but Not Broken: Understanding Thigh Contusions , we dive into the science and recovery behind one of the most common sports injuries — the thigh contusion, or “charley horse.” You’ll learn what actually happens when muscle tissue gets crushed against bone, why bruisi...

Why do so many pitchers face the dreaded “Thrower’s Elbow”? In this episode, The Thrower’s Curse: Inside Tommy John Surgery , we take a deep dive into one of the most well-known injuries in sports — the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear — and the groundbreaking surgery that changed the game. You’ll learn how this crucial ligament in the elbow is injured, how doctors diagnose and treat it, and w...

Do your legs ache or feel numb when you stand or walk, but get better when you sit or lean forward? You might be experiencing lumbar spinal stenosis — a condition where the lower spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the nerves. In this episode, we break down what lumbar spinal stenosis is, why it happens, and who’s most likely to develop it. You’ll learn how doctors diagnose it, the differenc...

Why does your shoulder suddenly feel stiff and painful, like it’s stuck in place? In this episode, Frozen Shoulder Explained: Breaking Free from Shoulder Stiffness , we uncover what really happens when the shoulder “freezes.” Learn how adhesive capsulitis develops, why it can take months to recover, and what treatments truly help. We’ll explain the three stages of frozen shoulder—freezing, frozen,...

Why does the front of your knee ache when you run, climb stairs, or sit too long? In this episode of Inside the Kneecap: Unpacking Anterior Knee Pain , we break down what’s really going on when the front of your knee starts to hurt. From patellofemoral pain syndrome —often called “runner’s knee”—to chondromalacia and other causes of anterior knee pain, we explore how these conditions develop, how...

Ever felt your finger “lock” when you try to straighten it — almost like it’s stuck on a trigger? In this episode, we explore Trigger Finger , a common hand condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a clicking or snapping sensation when bending or straightening a finger. You’ll learn why this happens, who’s most at risk (hint: it’s more common in people who use their hands repetitively or have co...

Ever wonder why your ankle feels stiff, sore, or painful with every step? In this episode of The Ankle Arthritis Deep Dive: What Patients Need to Know , we explore one of the most underappreciated causes of chronic ankle pain— ankle arthritis . Join us as we unpack what happens when the smooth cartilage of the ankle wears away, why past injuries can set the stage for arthritis, and how issues like...

Shoulder pain can be confusing, and the rotator cuff is often at the center of it. In this episode, we break down the full spectrum of rotator cuff problems—from early irritation and inflammation, to tendonitis, acute tears, chronic degenerative damage, and finally, shoulder arthritis caused by longstanding tears. You’ll learn how these problems develop, the symptoms they cause, and how doctors ap...