Foot pain can significantly disrupt daily life, particularly for runners, athletes, and active individuals who depend on movement not only for fitness but also for overall well-being. Dr. Jacqueline Donovan, a double board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with fellowship training in orthopedic trauma, brings both exceptional clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the challenges associated with persistent injuries. Her approach integrates advanced medical knowledge with a compassionate awareness of how debilitating foot and ankle issues can be for those striving to stay active.
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:
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
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