In this episode of On Q, Dr. Stephen S. Soondar, a podiatrist at Healthmark Foot and Ankle, discusses the complexities of ankle injuries and Achilles tendon ruptures with hosts Mike Quintans and Rob Rabena. Dr. Soondar highlights the importance of setting realistic recovery expectations for patients, and dives into the best bracing protocols. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking insights into preventing injuries and promoting long-term foot and ankle health.
In this episode you'll hear:
"I think a lot of it is shoe gear. Making sure you're wearing the appropriate stuff for what you're playing. You're not going for a run in Chuck Taylor's, right? You're not playing basketball with a pair of crocs," - Dr. Stephen Soondar
Dr. Stephen S. Soondar, D.P.M is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He is Board Certified in Foot Surgery, Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery. He graduated from Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine and has been published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Soondar specializes in Lower Extremity Trauma, Charcot Foot Reconstruction, Limb Salvage, and Ankle Arthroscopy as well as the comprehensive scope of Forefoot and Rearfoot medicine. He is a member of the Visitor’s and Founder’s boards at Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more about Dr.Soondar here.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:04 - Introduction to the Podcast
00:00:28 - Introduction of Dr. Stephen Sundar
00:04:20 - Mechanism of High Ankle Sprains
00:09:30 - Treatment and Recovery
00:10:18 - Ankle Braces and Orthosis
00:11:44 - The Ineffectiveness of Ankle Braces and Wraps
00:12:30 - The Benefits of Taping and Bracing
00:15:21 - Common Sports Prone to Ankle Injuries
00:16:10 - Post-injury Brace Recommendation
00:20:59 - Preventative Measures for Ankle Injuries
00:23:03 - Preventing Re-injury and Using Braces
00:25:04 - Mechanism of Achilles Tendon Rupture
00:27:37 - Surgery and Non-weight Bearing Period
00:29:23 - Managing Injuries in Higher-Level Athletes
00:32:58 - Conservative Management and Healing Process
00:34:36 - Surgical Intervention for Achilles Injuries
00:35:00 - Aaron Rogers' Recovery
00:36:01 - Different Repair Techniques
00:37:21 - Recovery Timeline and Long-Term Effects
00:43:01 - Preventative Measures and Strength Training
00:45:50 - Understanding the Causes of Injuries
00:46:50 - Mitigating the Risk of Injuries
00:47:52 - Importance of Stretching
00:48:12 - How to Connect