MedStar Health DocTalk

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In the latest episode of MedStar Health DocTalk, orthopedic surgeon Zan Nasser, MD, who specializes in spine surgery, discusses the facts and fiction of scoliosis. From understanding the basics of curvature of the spine, to treatment options, patients, parents, and healthcare professionals alike, this podcast has something for everyone.

Contrary to popular belief, scoliosis isn't solely a teenage affliction nor is it caused by poor posture. In fact, scoliosis can develop in individuals of any age, and its severity varies significantly from person to person.

Bracing is often the first line of defense for children with mild to moderate curves, and it plays a crucial role in preventing the curvature from worsening. But when does bracing start, and what happens if treatment isn’t pursued. Dr. Naseer has details the issues surrounding bracing for pediatric patients and for adults... with practical advice for parents on how to manage bracing routines.

Dr. Naseer delves into the more complex aspects of scoliosis management, including surgery.

Listeners will also learn about the importance of early diagnosis and regular monitoring.

With expert insights from Dr. Zan Naseer, listeners are empowered to understand scoliosis better and to navigate its challenges with confidence. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of scoliosis, its management, and how to support those living with it. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that could change lives!

For more information on Dr. Naseer, go to medstarhealth.org/naseer, or to make an appointment, call 410-248-8054.

If you would like to share feedback on this podcast, or suggest a topic for another episode of DocTalk, email Debra Schindler at [email protected].

For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

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Foot pain is a common issue that many of us face at some point in our lives. While plantar fasciitis is often the culprit, there's another- probably under-reported condition that deserves attention: plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose disease. In our latest podcast episode, Debra Schindler takes a dive deep into this lesser-known condition with MedStar Health podiatric foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Paul Carroll.
Plantar fibromatosis affects approximately 200,000 people in the United States and is characterized by the growth of fibromas—benign nodules—on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. Unlike plantar fasciitis, which typically causes heel pain that improves throughout the day, plantar fibromatosis presents as a constant pain in the middle part of the foot. Patients often describe feeling a pea-sized bump on the bottom of their foot, which can become painful as it grows.
Dr. Carroll explains that while this condition is generally benign, it can be quite painful and debilitating if left untreated. The demographic most affected includes males, diabetics, individuals with chronic alcohol use, and those who have experienced trauma to the foot. Interestingly, there is also a significant correlation between plantar fibromatosis and Dupuytren's contracture, a condition affecting the hands.
So, what should you do if you suspect you have plantar fibromatosis? Dr. Carroll advises seeking medical attention as soon as you notice any unusual bumps or persistent pain in your foot. Early diagnosis can help manage the condition more effectively and may prevent it from worsening. While there are several treatment options available, including conservative measures like custom orthotics and steroid injections, surgical options are often considered when other treatments fail. However, surgery comes with its own set of challenges, including a high recurrence rate of the fibromas.
One of the more promising treatments discussed in the episode is the use of hyaluronidase injections, which help to shrink and soften the fibromas, making them less symptomatic. Dr. Carroll shares his experiences and success stories with this treatment, providing hope for those suffering from this condition.
If you're experiencing unexplained foot pain or have noticed a bump on the bottom of your foot, don't ignore it. Tune in to our latest episode with Dr. Paul Carroll to learn more about plantar fibromatosis, its symptoms, and the various treatment options available. Your foot health is essential, and early intervention can make all the difference.
Listen to the full episode now and take the first step towards better foot health!

For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

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In our latest podcast episode, Debra sits down with Dr. Aubrey Grant, a sports and performance cardiologist at Medstar Health, who offers a deep dive into sports cardiology, the athlete's heart, and its capacity to remodel itself.
Dr. Grant, a graduate of the only sports cardiology fellowship in the country, shares his unique insights into the physiological wonders of high-performance athletes. He explains how the heart, much like any other muscle, remodels itself in response to the demands of intense exercise. This remodeling can result in an athlete's heart looking and functioning differently than a non-athlete's heart, with adaptations that are both fascinating and complex.
Listeners will be intrigued by the discussion on how different sports lead to different heart adaptations. For instance, a marathon runner's heart will not be the same as an NFL lineman's. Dr. Grant also sheds light on the importance of differentiating between these healthy adaptations and actual heart disease, a critical aspect of sports cardiology.
Dr. Grant discusses the use of cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiograms, and cardiac MRI to assess and manage the conditions of his patients. The conversation also touches on the alarming topic of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes, the importance of CPR education, and access to defibrillators.
Dr. Grant sees patients at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore and MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre in Washington, D.C. For interviews with Dr. Grant, or for more information about this podcast, contact Regional Media Relations Director, [email protected].
To learn more about Dr. Grant, visit: https://www.medstarhealth.org/doctors....

For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

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There’s a game changer in the treatment of uterine fibroids. Women whose lives are compromised by pain, long periods, severe bleeding, anemia and other symptoms of the muscular tumors, can opt for an embolization through the wrist. Known as transradial uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE, the doctor access the uterus though a single tiny opening in the wrist, while the patient is under twilight sedation. Most procedures take less than an hour and patients go home the same day. Dr. Brian Swehla, chief of interventional radiology at MedStar Health, has all the details about fibroids and this procedure, in this week’s episode of MedStar Health DocTalk.

For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

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The color of your skin, the community you belong to, and the place you call home are the largest predictors of health and longevity, according to a recent research article. These, and other non-medical factors are called social determinants of health. Learn more from Drs. Luke Carlson and Andrea Gaspar from Care Transformation about how MedStar Health is helping their communities on the latest episode of our podcast DocTalk.

For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.