Nick Strasser MD ⚓️

🚀 Oral health isn't just about smiles—it's a game-changer for athletic performance! Research on pros shows poor gums/teeth = lower endurance (VO₂ max drops), slower speeds, & tougher recovery. Inflammation from the mouth spreads system-wide, zapping energy & delaying muscle repair. Athletes: Sports drinks erode teeth, intense training dries your mouth → bad bacteria thrive. Quick wins: Hydrate, fluoride rinse post-workout, floss nightly. Your dentist could be your secret performance edge! 👟🦷 #AthleteHealth #OralHealthMatters #PerformanceTips"

🙌🎉🏀Congratulations to the 2026 Boys State B Tournament Champs! The Freeman Flyers! Great work!

👟 Foot surgeons talk shoes too. Favorites from our discussion: Running • Brooks • Saucony Endorphin Shift OR • Cushioned clogs • Air Force 1s or Converse (with inserts) Comfort matters—but a little style never hurts.

👟 When should you replace your running shoes? Mileage matters—but so does wear. Look for: ✔️ Worn outsole tread ✔️ Uneven wear patterns ✔️ Loss of support ✔️ New aches or pains Rotating between two pairs can help extend shoe life and reduce repetitive loading.

👟 When should you replace your running shoes? Mileage matters—but so does wear. Look for: ✔️ Worn outsole tread ✔️ Uneven wear patterns ✔️ Loss of support ✔️ New aches or pains Rotating between two pairs can help extend shoe life and reduce repetitive loading.

👟 When should you replace your running shoes? Mileage matters—but so does wear. Look for: ✔️ Worn outsole tread ✔️ Uneven wear patterns ✔️ Loss of support ✔️ New aches or pains Rotating between two pairs can help extend shoe life and reduce repetitive loading.

🏠 Why do your feet hurt more on hardwood floors? As we age, the natural cushioning in the bottom of the foot slowly wears down. Walking barefoot on hard floors can aggravate plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and arthritis. A simple fix: consider supportive house shoes or slides.

Honored to serve on faculty for the SEC Medical Update Conference Great discussion alongside Jeff Covell, Ben Jackson, and Norman Waldrop (with Tyler Gonzalez not pictured)- special "OC" ties among this group❤️ #SportsMedicine #Orthopaedics #SEC

A small adjustment in orthotics can make a big difference for forefoot pain. Many patients with metatarsalgia are told to try a metatarsal pad—but the placement is often incorrect. What tips do you give to patients to help accurately fit metatarsal pads?

New Foot & Ankle International Podcast episode with Dr. Mark Easley discussing recent studies with Drs. Aiyer, Gross, Rascoe, and Wukich on outcomes after ankle fracture ORIF. Important discussion as these exposures become increasingly common in our patient population.

👟 Not all foot pain means you need custom orthotics. In this discussion with Dr. Arianna Gianakos, we explore what orthotics actually do — and why understanding your foot mechanics is key before spending hundreds on inserts.

Boots in the OR? Yes — and for good reason. A small heel lift can reduce strain on the Achilles. A rigid sole can help if you have a stiff or fused big toe. Sometimes comfort is about mechanics, not cushioning. What do you wear?

Running shoes have changed — fast. 10 years ago: Minimalist. Flexible. “Barefoot” craze. Now: Maximalist. Thicker midsoles. Stiffer ride. The real question isn’t which trend is better — it’s which works for your foot and injury history. #FootAndAnkle #Running #SportsMed

Heels don’t cause bunions… but they can make them worse.

he upper of your shoe — everything above the sole — plays a major role in fit and comfort. Too stiff can cause pressure and rubbing. Too loose can cause instability. Uppers can be important for maintaining comfort. #FootAndAnkle #RunningShoes #Bunions #ShoeFit

2-week follow-up on a borderline ankle fracture with medial clear space widening. Patient walked into clinic in regular shoes with minimal pain.  Would you operate? Do you trust WB films over stress views? How much does functional history influence your decision?

@pmangoneMD I agree with this. Have you found yourself fixing fewer of these type of injuries.

Good question Nick. Most likely the “medial clear space widening” is due to plantar flexion of the ankle on this particular Xray view. Most of this corrects with weightbearing Xray if it is a stable fx pattern. Multiple published studies show if no clear space widening on WBing Xray, then stable fracture pattern and WBAT in a boot. I treat these type of fractures non-op frequently and they do fine. If patient cannot WB for Xray (sometimes I bring them back in 10-14 days post injury to get that Xray), then get stress view with ankle in neutral DF/PF and make decision for surgery based on those results.

Stable ankle fracture with medial clear space widening — but the patient walked in wearing regular shoes. Would you operate or treat functionally? Let’s discuss the nuances of ankle fracture stability.

“What shoes do you recommend?” It’s probably the most common question we get as foot & ankle surgeons. There isn’t one perfect shoe. There’s a better way to THINK about shoes.

Fiala’s acute lower leg injury highlights a bigger issue with Olympic competition. Compressed schedules, travel fatigue, and pressure to perform can raise risk for Achilles, ankle, and stress injuries. Pride vs durability — never a simple call.