Our feet are the foundation of everything we do, yet we’ve been conditioned to ignore the 'red flags' they send us. While occasional discomfort can be attributed to a long day, pain that follows you from your morning coffee to the evening couch is a signal that your feet are trying to tell you that something is wrong…and it’s time to listen.

In this episode of Ortho Out Loud, we explore why your footwear is either your best ally or your biggest liability. We are joined by Dr. Brett Albert, Board-Certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon at Fox Valley Orthopedics, and Glen Kamps, Wellness Ambassador for Dick Pond Athletics. Together they break down the importance of gait analysis and how the right footwear, for both athletes and non-athletes, can better support your lifestyle without compromising your foot health.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why catching foot pain early is the key to unlocking non-invasive treatments and avoiding the operating room altogether.

• The shoes we wear for work and play, and how to identify the ones that are quietly sabotaging your health.

• What’s truly treatable through habit changes and when a structural issue requires a specialist’s intervention.

While we can’t always change the environments we work in or the time we spend on our feet, we can change how we support ourselves through them. From high-performance athletic fits to smarter daily footwear, this conversation is about making the choices that mitigate the wear and tear of a busy life.

In Need of New Shoes?

If you haven't upgraded your walking or running shoes in over 6 months, the right and new pair could be the solution to your pain. Visit our friends at Dick Pond Athletics for a professional gait analysis and find the support your feet actually need.

📍 St. Charles Location: (630) 587-0745

🌐 Browse here: dickpondathletics.com

Ready to See a Specialist?

If you’re experiencing persistent pain that isn’t improving with rest or new shoes, don’t wait for the damage to progress.

🌐 Visit our website: fvortho.com

📞 Call for an appointment: (855) 386-7846

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on orthopedic innovation, patient care, and the people behind the practice.

Ortho Out Loud is brought to you by Fox Valley Orthopedics, highlighting the stories, expertise, and innovations shaping orthopedic care today.

From the moment we wake up to the minute we close the laptop, our hands are the frontline workers of the digital world. But is your smartphone or gaming controller quietly causing a long-term injury? In this episode of Ortho Out Loud, we explore the "Digital Strain" era with two FVO specialists: Board-Certified Hand and Wrist Surgeon Dr. Shobhit Minhas and Director of Occupational Therapy Maile Eddy. We dive into the rise of tech-related conditions like “Texting Thumb” and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, breaking down the repetitive micro-traumas caused by our favorite devices. Dr. Minhas and Maile highlight the powerful "Dream Team" partnership between surgery and physical therapy, explaining why a successful recovery is often a collaborative effort that begins long before (and continues long after) the operating room.

Whether you’re a dedicated gamer, have a desk job with heavy technology use, or just chronically online, this episode offers practical, innovative solutions to keep your hands healthy in a high-tech world.

Are your hands feeling the digital strain?

If you're experiencing persistent pain or stiffness in your hands and wrists, don’t wait for the damage to progress. Our team at Fox Valley Orthopedics is here to help you return to the activities you love.

🌐 Visit us: fvortho.com

📞 Call for an appointment: 855-386-7846

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on orthopedic innovation, patient care, and the people behind the practice.

Ortho Out Loud is brought to you by Fox Valley Orthopedics, highlighting the stories, expertise, and innovations shaping orthopedic care today.

We are starting Season 2 off strong! In this episode of Ortho Out Loud, we pull back the curtain on the world of spine surgery with special guest Dr. Lauren Matteini. From the patient questions that are hardest to answer to the innovations transforming spine care, Dr. Matteini shares a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to be a leader in spine care.

We also explore the role of innovation in orthopedics, the realities of working in a male-dominated surgical specialty, and why representation matters for both physicians and patients. Dr. Matteini offers insight into advocating for yourself, building resilience, and helping shape the future of spine surgery.

Whether you’re a patient, healthcare professional, or simply curious about modern medicine, this episode offers an honest and informative perspective on the evolving field of orthopedics.

In this episode, we cover:

• Spine surgery FAQs and why the answers can be complicated

• Innovations changing the future of spine care

• What patients should understand before considering spine surgery

• Representation and advocacy in orthopedic surgery

• Dr. Matteini’s personal journey and career insights

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on orthopedic innovation, patient care, and the people behind the practice.

Ortho Out Loud is brought to you by Fox Valley Orthopedics, highlighting the stories, expertise, and innovations shaping orthopedic care today.

To wrap up Season 1 of Ortho Out Loud, we’re bringing you a special bonus episode! Recorded in front of a live audience at Fox Valley Orthopedics’ annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon, host Scott McKay, PA-C, sits down with President Dr. Vishal Mehta and CEO John Brady to reflect on the growth of the practice, the values that guide us, and how we plan to continue meeting the needs of the communities we serve. Rooted in this year’s theme of community, the episode explores the connections we’ve built within our own teams and across the broader region we’ve supported for more than 50 years. Whether you were in the room with us or just tuning in, we hope this conversation offers a glimpse into what fuels our team’s dedication to both one another and the patients we care for.

In this episode of Ortho Out Loud, we’re switching things up! Hope from the Fox Valley Orthopedics marketing team—usually behind the scenes and behind the camera—steps in as guest host for a conversation with Sports Medicine Specialist and Surgeon, Dr. Alpert. Together, they dive into injury prevention through proper warm-up and cool-down practices, share insights on building long-term athletic health, and talk about why showing up for your local community matters—on and off the field. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, seasoned coach, or student athlete, this episode offers tips worth stretching for.

In this episode of Ortho Out Loud, host Scot McKay, PA-C steps into a "Mr. Rogers" role as we take a break from our usual advice-driven format to share personal stories of racing, training, and pushing the limits. Host Scott McKay, PA-C, is joined by Hand & Wrist Specialists Dr. Craig Torosian and Dr. Thomas Atkins — accomplished surgeons and seasoned endurance athletes. Together, they reflect on past marathons, triathlons, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way. It's a conversation filled with personal milestones, finish line memories, and the resilience it takes to go the distance.

What does it really take to stick to your health goals? In this special episode of Ortho Out Loud, host Scott McKay, PA-C sits down with Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Michael Hernandez and Paula, a patient from his Healthy Living Program. Paula opens up about her weight loss journey, the emotional ups and downs of training for the Elgin Valley Fox Trot 5k, and the surprising diet tweaks that made a big difference. Dr. Hernandez offers meaningful advice and tangible tips for anyone managing conditions like diabetes or hypertension while trying to get healthier. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring—and at times hilarious—conversation about finding your footing, staying motivated, and living healthier.

With over 30 years of experience, Joint Replacement

Specialist and Surgeon Dr. David Morawski joins host Scott McKay, PA-C, for a

realistic look at what it takes to train for a 5K after 50 and how to keep your

joints in the race. They break down the most common challenges of navigating

fitness after 50, including when pain is normal (and when it’s a red flag), how

joint replacements can impact mobility, and when tools like braces or canes can

actually help—not hinder—your progress. Whether you’re returning to running or

aiming for new fitness goals, this episode offers a clear roadmap for staying

active, safe, and motivated at any age.