Keep Your Foundation Strong: Tips for Runners

(KING OF PRUSSIA, June 2026) Whether you are training for a 5K or hitting the trails for a long weekend run, your feet and ankles take on an incredible amount of stress. With 26 bones and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together to absorb shock, even a small ache can quickly sideline your progress.

At Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, we see many runners struggling with common issues like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and ankle sprains. Here is what you need to know to stay on the move.

Don’t “run through” the pain. While it is tempting to push through, minor injuries can lead to chronic instability or ligament tears if ignored. Early intervention often means faster recovery.

“Many runners possess a ‘push through the pain’ mentality, but ignoring a nagging ache in your foot or ankle can turn a minor, easily treatable strain into a chronic injury,” says Spencer J. Monaco, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle specialist at Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center. “Our goal is to catch these issues early so we can keep you moving safely, rather than letting a small problem sideline you for months.”

A misstep on uneven pavement can happen in an instant. If you experience severe swelling, difficulty bearing weight, or a feeling that your ankle is “giving out,” it is time to see a specialist. Most sprains can be treated by one of our providers effectively without surgery through:

  • Custom orthotics: tailored inserts to correct alignment and support your arches.
  • Physical therapy: structured programs to restore range of motion and retrain balance.
  • Activity modification: learning how to adjust your training while you heal.

If morning heel pain makes those first few steps difficult, or if a lingering ache has not improved after a few days of rest, our foot and ankle specialists are here to help. We offer advanced diagnostics— including X-rays and MRIs—to get to the root of the problem and get you back to the sport you love.

Ready to get back on track? Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center offers appointments on the same day or next day to ensure you do not miss a beat.

Contact us today for more information about sports medicine services in Greater Philadelphia or to schedule a consultation! Visit premierortho.com or call 855.ORTHO24 (855.678-4624).

About Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center:

With over 40 locations in the Greater Philadelphia region, Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center provides the full spectrum of orthopaedic services – including bone, muscle, joint and rheumatological care, physical therapy, hand therapy, MRI and urgent care. Patients trust our specialists for their experience, expertise, and commitment to exceptional care. To learn more visit: premierortho.com or hand2shouldercenter.com

Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center are pleased to announce their Top Doctors 2026 in Philadelphia Magazine.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center

Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors 2026

(KING OF PRUSSIA- APRIL 2026) Congratulations to the Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center physicians who were named 2026 Top Doctors by Philadelphia magazine.

Every year, physicians are asked to nominate peers who they believe are the best, most trusted doctors in the region, and it is a commendation to be recognized by your peers.

“Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center provide complete orthopaedic care from diagnosis to treatment, and their representation on this list is further proof of the quality of care provided by our renowned clinical team,” states Christina Vannello, CEO, Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center. “We are honored that so many of our Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center physicians have been recognized in Philadelphia magazine for their expertise in orthopaedic care.”

The full listing of Top Doctors is available on the magazine’s website, but here are our physicians who were voted best in the Orthopaedics categories:

Richard Balotti, Jr, MD – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Pain Management, Physiatry, Non-operative Spine, Interventional Pain Management

Evan Bash, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Foot & Ankle

Jeffrey Berger, DO – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Pain Management, Non-operative Spine, Interventional Pain Management

Larry Chou, MD – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Pain Management, Non-operative Spine, Interventional Pain Management

Matthew Costa, DO – Sports Medicine; Sports Medicine, Concussion

Eugene Elia, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee), Sports Medicine

Jonathan Garino, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee)

Frank Giammattei, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Hip, Knee, Sports Medicine

Zachary Hauser, MD – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Pain Management, Non-operative Spine, Interventional Pain Management

Paul Horenstein, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Foot & Ankle, Joint Replacement

Charles Hummer, III, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Sports Medicine, Joint Replacement (Knee, Shoulder)

Sidney Jacoby, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Hand/Wrist

Kenneth Kearns, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Shoulder/Elbow

Michael Lee, MD – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Pain Management, Physiatry, Non-op Spine, Interventional Pain Management

Bruce Lutz, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Complex Fracture Care, Sports Medicine, Trauma

James McGlynn, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Sports Medicine Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee, Shoulder)

Armando Mendez, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Sports Medicine

Todd Michener, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine

Charles Odgers, IV, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Sports Medicine, Joint Replacement (Knee, Shoulder)

Lee Osterman, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Hand/Wrist

Meredith Osterman, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Hand/Wrist

Nikos Pavlides, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee, Shoulder)

Mark Rekant, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Hand/Wrist, Shoulder

Scott Ritterman, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee), Fracture Care

Robert Ruggiero, Jr, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee), Spine

Matthew Schaeffer, MD – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Interventional Pain Management

Eon Shin, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Hand/Wrist

Chet Simmons, Jr, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Joint Replacement (Knee, Hip)

Stephanie Sweet, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Hand/Wrist

Mark Tantorski, DO – Orthopaedic Surgery; Spine

Dean Trevlyn, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Joint Replacement Knee, Sports Medicine

Jeffrey Vakil, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Joint Surgery/Replacement

Kevin Walsh , MD – Concussion, Non-operative Sports Medicine

Raymond Wolfe, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee)

Richard Zamarin, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee), Sports Medicine

David Zelouf, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery; Hand/Wrist

For more information about our orthopaedic providers and services in the Delaware Valley or to schedule a consultation, please visit premierortho.com or hand2shouldercenter.com; or call 855.ORTHO24 (855.678.4624) or 610.768.5959.

About Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center:With over 40 locations in the Greater Philadelphia region, Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center provides the full spectrum of orthopaedic services – including bone, muscle, joint and rheumatological care, physical therapy, hand therapy, MRI and urgent care. Patients trust our specialists for their experience, expertise, and commitment to exceptional care. To learn more visit: premierortho.com or hand2shouldercenter.com

Contact: Susan Graham

sgraham@premierortho.com or 484-919-9616

Elderly woman showing her hand to a doctor, who is looking for signs of rheumatoid arthritis

Early Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis and When to Seek Help

Have you noticed that your fingers or wrists feel stiff, tender, or warm? These symptoms might seem minor but could be early warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disorder that primarily targets the lining of your joints, causing inflammation that can lead to joint damage. Unlike other types of arthritis, RA commonly affects the small joints in your hands and feet, but it can also impact blood vessels. Understanding the early signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can help you seek timely medical care and prevent long-term joint damage. Read more “Early Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis and When to Seek Help”

“A Life Free of Wrist, Hand and Shoulder Pain Is Possible. Philly Doctors Explain How.”

Dr. Ken Kearns and Dr. Adam Strohl are featured in Philadelphia Magazine article on phillymag.com. #PHSCPROUD

Once upon a time, you had the agility to dance the night away and bounce back the next morning without even a headache. But somewhere along the line, you grew up—and now, it can feel like every movement is accompanied by aches and pains that feel as random as they do uncomfortable. Your hands and fingers go numb or tingle while writing down a grocery list, or reaching for cereal on the top shelf sends a shooting pain down your arm. You’re left feeling old, accepting that this is what your life looks like now.

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Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center Joins HOPCo in Partnership with Premier Orthopaedics

New Partnership Creates One of the Largest Integrated MSK Platforms in Pennsylvania and the US

Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, one of the largest and most recognized hand and upper extremity focused musculoskeletal (MSK) practices in the country, has announced that they have become part of HOPCo’s Northeast-based musculoskeletal practice management platform and will partner with Premier Orthopaedics, one of the largest MSK practices in the region.

Read more “Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center Joins HOPCo in Partnership with Premier Orthopaedics”
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