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.

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 difference between conservative and surgical treatments, and why simple movements like bending forward can bring relief.

Join us as we explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this common spine condition in language that’s easy to understand.

All information in this episode comes from OrthoEducation.com, the free, peer-reviewed website of the non-profit OrthoEducation, dedicated to helping patients better understand their musculoskeletal health through accurate and accessible education.

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, and thawing—and how physical therapy, stretching, and patience can gradually restore motion. You’ll also hear how doctors diagnose the condition, when injections or surgery might be used, and what most people can expect for long-term recovery.

This episode is based on expert-reviewed information from the free, peer-reviewed website of the non-profit OrthoEducation, available at OrthoEducation.com. Whether you’re dealing with frozen shoulder yourself or helping someone through it, this podcast will help you understand how to get moving again—slowly, safely, and successfully.

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 they differ, and what you can do to find relief. Learn how doctors diagnose the problem, why physical therapy is often the key to recovery, and when surgery might actually be needed.

This episode draws from expert-reviewed information available on the free, peer-reviewed website of the non-profit OrthoEducation, found at OrthoEducation.com. Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or just dealing with stubborn knee pain, this conversation helps you understand what’s happening inside the kneecap—and how to get back to pain-free movement.

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 conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis), and how doctors diagnose and treat it.

From simple solutions like rest, splints, and anti-inflammatory medication to quick, effective surgical options — we’ll break down what works, what doesn’t, and why most people regain smooth, pain-free motion.

This episode is based on trusted, peer-reviewed information from OrthoEducation, a free educational website run by the non-profit OrthoEducation.com, dedicated to making orthopaedic knowledge clear and accessible for everyone.

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 misalignment, rheumatoid arthritis, or even gout can add to the problem. We’ll discuss what ankle arthritis looks like on X-rays, what symptoms to watch for, and—most importantly—the full range of treatments available, from simple lifestyle changes and bracing to advanced surgical options like ankle fusion and ankle replacement.

This episode is based on expert-reviewed information from OrthoEducation, a free, non-profit, peer-reviewed educational website dedicated to helping patients and healthcare professionals better understand orthopaedic conditions.

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 approach treatment at each stage—whether that’s rest, physical therapy, injections, surgical repair, or even shoulder replacement in severe cases.

Our goal is to make sense of this complex topic in a way that’s clear, engaging, and useful for patients, families, and anyone interested in better understanding shoulder health. This podcast is brought to you by OrthoEducation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating free, peer-reviewed, and easy-to-understand patient education resources. Explore more at OrthoEducation.com.

Wrist fractures—also called distal radius fractures—are among the most common broken bones, often happening when someone falls on an outstretched hand. But not all wrist fractures are the same. In this episode, we break down the different types, including Colles, Smith, Barton, and intra-articular fractures, and explain how doctors diagnose them, from the first exam to X-rays and sometimes CT scans. We’ll walk through treatment options, from simple casting and closed reduction to surgery with plates, screws, or pins when the break is more complex. Finally, we’ll explore what recovery looks like, why physical therapy matters, and what patients can expect long-term in terms of wrist motion and strength.

This podcast is brought to you by OrthoEducation, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating high-quality, easy-to-understand, peer-reviewed patient education resources. Learn more at OrthoEducation.com.