For those who live an active lifestyle, foot and ankle discomfort can be extremely frustrating. Dr. Jaqueline Donovan helps athletes stay in the game by teaching techniques for avoiding and treating the most common foot and ankle injuries.

She has cared for thousands of patients, educated hundreds of residents and fellows, and personally endured many of the same injuries she treats.  This perspective, rooted in humility and informed by evidence-based practice, gives her insights a compelling balance of credibility and real-world practicality.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why most running injuries start with tight calf muscles (not your feet
• How to tell the difference between plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathy, and stress fractures
• The role of biomechanics, improper footwear, and under-stretching in chronic pain
• Conservative interventions that work—like night splints, CBD, and simple shoe modifications
• The importance of early treatment, especially in active patients
• A nuanced look at the rise in tendon injuries post-COVID

Dr. Jacqueline Donavan’s Bio

Dr. Jacqueline Donovan, DPM, FACFAS, is a double board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with a deep passion for helping people stay in motion—especially runners. From ankle sprains and stress fractures to plantar fasciitis and chronic overuse injuries, Dr. Donovan brings unmatched expertise to diagnosing and treating the conditions that sideline so many athletes. Her training spans co-chief residency at Grant Medical Center/OhioHealth and a rigorous orthopedic trauma fellowship, and she spent years mentoring surgical residents before returning home to the Cleveland area.

Now serving patients across University Hospitals Ahuja, Cleveland Clinic Fairview, and Erie Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Donovan blends cutting-edge techniques like PRP injections and reconstructive surgery with a whole-person approach to care. She’s also a dedicated mother, outdoor enthusiast, and sports fan who understands firsthand the physical and emotional toll of being injured when movement is part of your identity.

In today’s episode, Dr. Donovan joins Dr. Chris Huff to break down the most common foot and ankle injuries in runners, how to prevent them, and what recovery really looks like—from both a clinical and human perspective.

Learn more about Dr. Donovan →

📍 Cleveland, OH

📸 Instagram: @ohiofootdocs

Top 3 Insights

• Don’t ignore tight calves, a strong and well stretched posterior chain is key to preventing most foot and ankle injuries.
• Conservative treatment often works, but only if applied early. Delaying care often leads to more complex problems.
• Footwear matters more than most people realize. Shoes should support your structure, not just your style.

Resources & Mentions

• Recommended footwear: Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, Hoka
• Night splints and heel lifts for plantar fasciitis and Achilles relief
• MLS laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for chronic tendon inflammation
• Lacing techniques for various shoe related foot complaints: 
  • 👉https://youtu.be/3qyS8j4WUbA?si=rl9_fvUP2trz2UBf 
  • 👉https://youtu.be/wmOFig9MIFs?si=gpvUvcQI_lIPLUgz&t=100

Related Episodes

• Ep 29: The Grit and Grace of Dr. Tommy Martin - A discussion on family, faith, health, and training
• Ep 26: This One’s For The Kids - Coach Marcus Mason Discusses How To Help Your Young Athlete Succeed

Let’s Connect:

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.