Sole Science

How does a practitioner transform a personal frustration with recurrent blisters into an internationally recognised hub for skin biomechanics and clinician education? For Rebecca Rushton, a podiatrist with over 30 years of clinical experience based in Esperance, Western Australia, the journey began after realising that standard university training and traditional taping methods were failing to keep athletes blister-free.In this episode of Sole Science, hosts Patrick Doan and John Charles sit down with Rebecca to dismantle the long-standing misconceptions surrounding blister causation, prevention and treatment. Together, they explore the critical distinction between rubbing and shear, the biomechanical drivers of skin distortion and why effective management must always be matched to specific anatomical locations rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all remedy.In this episode, we dive into:The Shear vs Rubbing Fallacy: Why confusing friction with rubbing has led the profession up the garden path and how reducing the coefficient of friction to allow targeted slip actually spares the stratum spinosum from destructive shear forces.Location-Specific Biomechanics: Unpacking the mechanical drivers behind different blister sites, from digital clawing in apical toe blisters to structural arch flattening and overstriding in posterior heel presentation.Targeted Interventions & Material Science: The clinical application of PTFE (Engo) patches, insoles and the underlying evidence behind sock thickness and material density.Refining Prescribing & Orthotic Design: How to troubleshoot orthotic-induced irritation, optimise rearfoot support and utilise footwear heel-to-toe differentials to manage forefoot load.Real-World Testing Grounds: Insights gained from working multi-day ultra-marathons, where rapid feedback loops reveal what truly works under extreme repetitions and high forces.Bridging the Educational Gap: The motivation behind creating Blister Prevention University and Blister Prevention Pro to equip podiatrists, pharmacists and the public with evidence-based management strategies.Whether you are a sports podiatrist looking to refine your biomechanical reasoning, a clinician treating endurance runners or a practitioner wanting to master skin fatigue management, this episode provides a masterclass in turning a neglected sub-niche into a clinical superpower.Connect with our guest:Rebecca Rushton: Connect with Rebecca on Intagram via @blisterpod1. Explore articles, resources and educational content via Rebecca's website Blister Prevention.Join the SEPA CommunityEnjoyed this conversation and want to elevate your career in sports and exercise podiatry? Join SEPA and become a member today. Whether you're a student, a recent graduate or an established clinician, SEPA offers a world of opportunity—from exclusive access to the latest research and CPD to mentorship and networking with some of the most respected names in the field.www.sepa.org.au

How is the landscape of custom orthotic design and manufacturing evolving in modern podiatry? In this special episode of Sole Science, hosts Pat Doan and John Charles sit down with four leading figures in orthotics from across the sectors of clinical practice, manufacturing, and digital technology: Kent Sweeting (Queensland Orthotic Lab), Rhys Pierce (Footwork), Konrad Job (LaserCam Orthotics), and Darcy Dore (The Run Clinic / Propel3D).Together, the panel unpacks the complete orthotic ecosystem—bridging the gap between the clinician’s initial prescription and the laboratory’s production line. From defining true clinical success to navigating the shift from traditional subtractive manufacturing to chair-side 3D printing, this conversation tackles the core questions and modern realities shaping the future of custom foot orthoses in Australia.In this episode, we dive into:Defining Clinical Success: Why true orthotic success relies on shifting tissue load effectively, achieving comfort, and enabling patient progression rather than relying on symptom resolution alone.The Pathomechanical Approach: Tackling the debate surrounding over-prescription, the impact of modern footwear technology on performance and injury, and why prescription must be rooted in clinical reasoning.Scope and Ownership: Who owns orthotic therapy? A hard look at why podiatrists must retain clinical mastery over custom foot capture, foot morphology, and orthotic prescription over other healthcare disciplines.Foot Capture Foundations: Exploring the reliability, inter-rater variability, and clinical intent behind different capture methods—from weight-bearing scanning to plaster casting—and avoiding flat orthoses.Debunking the 3D Printing Myth: Examining the differences between SLS nylon, FDM printing, and polypropylene materials, while addressing misconceptions around modifying and grinding 3D-printed devices in-clinic.Strengthening Lab-Clinician Relationships: Why orthotic prescribing requires a collaborative partnership rather than a transactional service, and how developing a shared language prevents costly mistakes.Future Directions: A look into emerging delivery models—including in-clinic 3D printing, CAD empowerment, sensor-embedded active orthotics, and evolving regulatory standards under the TGA.Whether you are a new graduate looking to refine your prescribing skills, an experienced clinician interested in 3D printing, or a practitioner wanting to build better relationships with your orthotic lab, this episode provides invaluable insights into the science, craft, and future of custom orthoses.Connect & Join the CommunityGuest Info: Kent Sweeting via Instagram @qol1985, Rhys Pierce via Footwork, Konrad Job via CadCam Orthotics, Darcy Dore via Instagram @darcy_sports_podJoin SEPA: Get connected and become part of our community! www.sepa.org.au

What does it take to bridge high-level academic research with elite clinical performance? In this episode of Sole Science, hosts Patrick Doan and Darcy Dore sit down with Associate Professor Kade Paterson—Dame Kate Campbell Fellow at the University of Melbourne, consulting sports podiatrist at Lakeside Sports Medicine Centre and Collingwood Football Club, and President of Sports and Exercise Podiatry Australasia (SEPA).From his early days as an exercise science student with a hidden passion for skateboarding and running to leading world-first randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on joint osteoarthritis and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Kade offers a candid, evidence-backed deep dive into the future of lower-limb sports medicine.Key TakeawaysFrom Passive Mechanics to Active Load: How the discipline has evolved from passive mechanical tweaks to active, load- and exercise-based interventions—a shift reflected in the evolution from 'sports podiatry' to 'sports and exercise podiatry'.Decoupling Symptoms from Disease: Why clinicians must treat the person, not the scan. Kade highlights why symptom modification remains the priority in osteoarthritis management until true disease-modifying agents exist.The Foot Spring Mechanism: Insights on energy storage and arch deformation from recent consensus guidelines. Learn when preserving early joint mobility aids synovial fluid health, and when to pivot to stiffer rocker-bottom footwear for end-stage joint stiffness.Cutting Through the PRP Hype: Behind the scenes of Kade's landmark 2022 RESTORE trial on ankle osteoarthritis. Kade unpacks the logistics of double-blind blood trials, the unexpected therapeutic effects of saline placebos, and why high-quality methodology matters in an era of biased data.Elite AFL Practice: The high-stakes reality of working with Collingwood FC, managing first MTP joint pain in professional footballers where perfect mechanical setups face the harsh reality of match day.Exercise as Systemic Relief: Why physical activity extends far beyond local tissue strengthening, serving as a powerful remote pain modifier across the whole body.Connect & Join the CommunityGuest Info: Connect with A/Prof. Kade Paterson and explore his research via ResearchGateJoin SEPA: Elevate your career in sports and exercise podiatry. Whether you are a student, new grad, or seasoned clinician, join SEPA for exclusive access to research, CPD, and mentorship: www.sepa.org.au

How do you balance a globally respected clinical practice with cutting-edge academic research? For Ian Griffiths—a Fellow of both the Royal College of Podiatry and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and a lecturer in sports medicine at Queen Mary University of London—the answer lies in a relentless pursuit of evidence over hype. Backed by decades of elite sport experience, including working inside the London 2012 Olympics Athletes' Village, Ian brings a rigorously evidence-based yet deeply human approach to lower limb sports medicine. Our hosts, Pat, John, and Harriet, sit down with Ian for a wonderfully candid conversation that challenges some of the most deeply entrenched beliefs in the podiatry profession. Together, they strip back the glamour of high-tech clinical tools to explore why critical appraisal must always steer contemporary practice over passing trends. In this episode, we dive into:The Reality of Sports Podiatry: Why sports podiatry belongs to anyone adopting a serious, data-driven approach to their training—from Premier League footballers to driven parkrun enthusiasts. Academic Fighting & Plantar Heel Pain: Inside Ian's high-profile "letter to the editor" response to the JOSPT guidelines, critiquing the overvaluation of resistance training and the complete omission of shockwave therapy.How Orthoses Actually Work: A refreshingly honest look at orthotic mechanisms. Ian breaks down the four overarching umbrella categories—kinematic, kinetic, neuromotor, and psychological—while embracing the nuance of what we still don't know. The Physics of Rearfoot Posting: Insights from Ian's collaborative lab research measuring shell stiffness. Discover why modifying the rearfoot post alters midfoot compliance, regardless of whether you're using 3D-printed nylon or traditional polypropylene. Dismantling Population Shoe Logic: Why big data shows that matching footwear to foot posture fails to prevent injuries, and how clinicians can shift toward nuanced, pathology-specific prescribing instead.Overrated vs. Underrated: Ian steps up as the first-ever participant in this rapid-fire segment, delivering unfiltered takes on "overpronation" as a diagnosis, foot intrinsic strengthening, maximalist stack heights, and why UK conference coffee is deeply tragic. Whether you're a student trying to make sense of conflicting biomechanical frameworks, a clinician looking to shield your practice from social media misinformation, or simply a footwear geek curious about the true physics inside your shoes, this episode serves as an essential masterclass in keeping your clinical reasoning sharper than your kit. Connect with our guest:Ian Griffiths: Connect with Ian on Instagram @sportspodiatryinfo and view her ongoing academic work via ResearchGate.Join the SEPA CommunityEnjoyed this conversation and want to elevate your career in sports and exercise podiatry? Join SEPA and become a member today. www.sepa.org.au

What does it take to truly future-proof the podiatry profession? In this episode of Sole Science, hosts Patrick Doan and Darcy Dore sit down with Professor Debbie Turner, Podiatry Program Coordinator at QUT, to unpack the complex intersections of education, advanced clinical technology, and professional longevity. With a career deeply rooted in NHS clinical practice, rheumatology, and diabetes research, Debbie brings a refreshing, evidence-backed perspective to the massive shifts currently reshaping the field. In this episode, we explore:The Power of 'Use It or Lose It': How Debbie’s extensive work with chronic, inflammatory rheumatological conditions reinforces the concept of movement as medicine, and why physical activity remains an under-prioritised tool against irreversible joint damage. The Practicality of Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Why integration beats outsourcing. Debbie explains how highly accessible, modern systems with strong Doppler capabilities can—and should—be standard fixtures for both MSK and vascular assessments in everyday practice. The Logistics of Modern Placements: An inside look at QUT’s flexible, block-based placement model, the freedom it gives students to pursue niche interests, and the genuine struggle to find private practitioners willing to host students for 70-hour blocks. Rethinking the "New Grad" Narrative: Why expecting complete commercial autonomy on day one is unique to podiatry compared to other health disciplines, and how business owners are under-utilising the advanced cultural and entrepreneurial skill sets of today’s graduates. Unpopular Opinions De-brief: The panel goes head-to-head on listener-sourced hot takes, debating whether clinical skills inherently outshine business prowess, the real utility of force plates, and if biomechanics education has truly evolved past rigid root theory. The Circular Economy of Lower-Limb Care: A vital conversation on professional sustainability. Debbie challenges the community to look beyond environmental catchphrases and actively consider the lifetime waste of orthoses, the carbon footprint of the footwear industry, and the power of repairing over replacing. From deep-dives into emerging shear-force smart insoles to a candid look at how social media algorithms shape clinical credibility, this episode serves as an essential pulse-check on where podiatry is heading and how clinicians can actively shape its direction.Connect with our guest:Professor Debbie Turner: Connect with Debbie and view her ongoing academic work via ResearchGate.Join the SEPA CommunityEnjoyed this conversation and want to elevate your career in sports and exercise podiatry? Join SEPA and become a member today. Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or an established clinician, SEPA offers a world of opportunity—from exclusive access to the latest research and CPD, to mentorship and networking with some of the most respected names in the field.www.sepa.org.au