Plantar Fasciitis & PTTD: Treatment Decisions That Matter

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, we break down real patient cases involving plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Learn how to set expectations with shockwave therapy and improve patient satisfaction. Discover how treatment sequencing impacts outcomes and revenue in a podiatry practice. This episode focuses on orthotics, clinical decision-making, and patient communication. If you want to improve both outcomes and efficiency in your clinic, this episode delivers practical insights. Ideal for podiatrists looking to refine systems and increase case acceptance.⸻Keywordspodiatry practice managementplantar fasciitis treatment podiatryposterior tibial tendon dysfunction treatmentshockwave therapy podiatrycustom orthotics podiatrypodiatry patient expectationsfoot pain treatment strategiespodiatry revenue growthorthotics prescription tipsshockwave therapy resultspodiatry case studiesfoot and ankle practice systemsimproving patient compliance podiatrypodiatry clinical decision makingAFO brace podiatryflatfoot treatment podiatryheel pain managementpodiatry business strategiesorthotics lab comparisonpatient communication podiatryreducing orthotic returnsclinical confidence podiatry⸻Hashtags#Podiatry#PlantarFasciitis#FootPain#Orthotics#ShockwaveTherapy#PTTD#Flatfoot#HealthcareBusiness#PracticeGrowth#MedicalPractice#PodiatryLife#ClinicEfficiency#PatientCare#MedicalEntrepreneur#FootAndAnkle#PracticeManagement⸻DescriptionAre your patients not improving as fast as they expect—even when your treatment is working?In this episode, Don walks through two real patient cases to highlight what works—and what doesn’t—in podiatry practice. He breaks down a plantar fasciitis case using shockwave therapy, including how setting expectations led to better patient satisfaction and an orthotic conversion. He also shares a posterior tibial tendon dysfunction case where delayed decision-making impacted treatment efficiency—and what he would do differently.You’ll learn how to better sequence treatments, confidently recommend orthotics, and avoid common mistakes that reduce outcomes and revenue. Don also dives into orthotic lab selection, managing patient discomfort, and improving follow-up systems so issues are addressed earlier—not weeks later.⸻Timestamps[00:00] New format: learning from real patient cases[01:05] Plantar fasciitis case: initial treatment approach[02:10] Using ultrasound to guide shockwave therapy[03:10] Setting expectations for shockwave success[04:30] The “touch-up” strategy and value anchoring[06:00] Converting shockwave patients to orthotics[07:10] Managing orthotic discomfort expectations[08:10] Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction case breakdown[09:00] Missed opportunity: delaying orthotics[09:40] Confidence and decisiveness in treatment recommendations[10:20] Orthotic lab challenges and reducing returns⸻Key TakeawayClear expectations and confident treatment recommendations drive both better patient outcomes and higher case acceptance—hesitation costs results.⸻ConclusionWhat’s your approach to sequencing treatments like shockwave and orthotics? Are you setting clear expectations—or leaving patients unsure of progress?If this case-based format is helpful, share your feedback and let me know. And if you’ve had similar cases, it’d be great to hear how you handled them.