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 like the tabletop test, and why many people notice firm cords or nodules in the palm long before finger motion becomes limited.

We also explore treatment options, from careful observation and splinting to injections and surgery for more advanced cases, along with what recovery and long-term outlook really look like. Throughout the episode, we focus on separating myths from facts and helping listeners understand when treatment is needed—and when it isn’t.

All information in this podcast comes from the free, peer-reviewed educational resources of the non-profit OrthoEducation, available at OrthoEducation.com.

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 different types of breaks, and why some fractures can be treated with casting while others require surgery, such as intramedullary nailing.

The episode also covers what recovery really looks like, including healing timelines, rehabilitation, and potential complications, as well as the long-term outlook for patients. All information discussed is based on educational content from the free, peer-reviewed, non-profit OrthoEducation website at OrthoEducation.com, ensuring accurate, patient-focused guidance you can trust.

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or simply curious, this episode breaks down a complex injury in a clear, practical way.

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 shoulder (glenohumeral) instability is, how it develops, and the common symptoms people experience, such as pain, weakness, and a feeling that the shoulder may “give out.” We also walk through how doctors diagnose instability and review treatment options, from physical therapy and strengthening exercises to surgery when needed.

All information in this podcast comes from the free, peer-reviewed Foot and Orthopedic Education resources of the non-profit OrthoEducation, available at OrthoEducation.com. Whether you’re an athlete, a patient, or just curious, this episode offers clear, reliable guidance you can trust.

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, peer-reviewed, non-profit website OrthoEducation (available at OrthoEducation.com), we explain how micro-tearing of the plantar fascia leads to inflammation and heel pain, who is most at risk, and how this condition is usually diagnosed. We also cover evidence-based treatments that actually work, including stretching, footwear choices, activity modification, orthotics, and when more advanced treatments may be considered.

Whether you’re dealing with heel pain yourself or just want to understand it better, this episode offers clear, practical guidance grounded in trusted orthopedic education.

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 area is especially common in women over 40.

Drawing from expert-reviewed information on the free, peer-reviewed website of the non-profit OrthoEducation (available at OrthoEducation.com), we explore how thumb arthritis is diagnosed through physical exam, X-rays, and simple movement tests. We also walk through the full range of treatment options—from splints, thumb braces, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medications to physical therapy and corticosteroid injections.

For listeners wondering when surgery becomes necessary, we outline what procedures are available, what recovery looks like, and how patients typically regain thumb strength and function. Finally, we discuss the long-term outlook for people living with basal joint arthritis and offer practical strategies to reduce flare-ups and protect hand function over time.

Whether you’re a patient, clinician, caregiver, or simply curious about hand health, this episode delivers clear, accessible guidance grounded in trusted orthopedic knowledge.

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 to severe Grade 3 tears and the serious avulsion injury. Learn about the key signs and symptoms, how doctors diagnose the injury, and the crucial stages of rehabilitation. We break down the R.I.C.E. protocol, the importance of eccentric strengthening, and when—and why—surgery might be necessary.This is not just anecdotal advice. All the content and information in this podcast is sourced directly from the free, peer-reviewed website of the non-profit organization OrthoEducation, available at OrthoEducation.com. Tune in to empower your recovery and learn how to reduce your risk of a recurrence!

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 bruising changes color over time, and how athletes can safely recover without long-term complications.

We’ll also explore how doctors diagnose the severity of these deep muscle bruises, when rest and rehabilitation are enough, and the rare cases where surgery might be required. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just curious about what causes that deep muscle ache after impact, this episode breaks it all down in clear, relatable language.

All information in this episode comes from OrthoEducation, the free peer-reviewed website of the non-profit OrthoEducation initiative, available at OrthoEducation.com

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 why Tommy John surgery has given countless athletes a second chance at success.

From overuse on the mound to cutting-edge surgical reconstruction and year-long rehabilitation, this episode unpacks the science, the history, and the comeback stories behind the injury that reshaped baseball — and sports medicine.

This podcast is based on information from the free, peer-reviewed website of the non-profit OrthoEducation, available at OrthoEducation.com.