“Our goal by outlaying the following approach is to improve our Podiatrist’s patient outcomes through clear communication and effective, evidence-based treatment strategies.”
Treating Plantar Fasciitis: Our Evidence-Based Approach
‘Heel Pain Treatment Hub’ at Podiatry at Sports & Spinal follows a specific evidence-based guide to help our Podiatrists treating stubborn plantar heel pain – commonly referred to as plantar fasciitis.
The guide is called ‘Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values.’1 and it was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2021. Credibility to the guide is the journal that it is published within (Link here) and of course due to the authors – well-respected researchers and experienced clinicians. Please see here for the article abstract.
Q: What is a Systematic Review? A: It is a structured and comprehensive synthesis of research studies on a specific question, using rigorous and repeatable methods to minimise bias.
The key steps our Podiatrists will take you through:
- Utilize the core approach with strong evidence, focusing on plantar fascia stretching, taping, and education.
- Emphasize load management, pain education, addressing related conditions, and considering footwear.
- Monitor pain levels and aim to reduce discomfort to below 3 out of 10.
- Consider shockwave therapy if pain levels are still high (above 4-5 out of 10) after the core approach.
- Consider Shockwave therapy sooner if failed other similar core approach by another allied health professional.
- Initiate custom foot orthoses if patients have not responded well to previous treatments.
- Explain the importance of reducing tensile forces on the plantar fascia and the role of orthotics in de-loading.
- Must consider earlier than 12 weeks if your occupation involves you being on your feet all day and/or you are still trying to keep working towards an event or trying to continue a sports season.
- Consider injections (e.g., PRP, cortisone) for non-responsive cases after all of the above has been considered. Some patients do respond to injection therapy even though the evidence classes injections as experimental.
- At this stage we are ideally referring patients to a sports physician for further evaluation and/or execution of the injection. We work with and alongside a network of excellent Sports Physicians who we can refer you to if need be.
To discuss our approach in more detail please book online or call your closest hub and ask to speak to one of our friendly Podiatrists.
See you soon!
1.MORRISSEY, D. et al. Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. Br J Sports Med, v. 55, n. 19, p. 1106-1118, Oct 2021. ISSN 1473-0480. Disponível em: < https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33785535 >
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Nicholas Roth
Podiatrist - Paediatric, Sports & Exercise
Aleks Baruksopulo
Podiatry Managing Partner
Nicholas Roth
Podiatrist - Paediatric, Sports & Exercise
Nicholas is a passionate and dedicated podiatrist with a special interest in paediatrics, sports, and biomechanics. Graduating from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2015, he has since made the Gold Coast his home, where he enjoys life with his wife and two daughters. With a firm belief in the philosophy that “prevention is better than cure,” Nicholas focuses on helping his patients, particularly children, stay active and pain-free.
His goal is to see kids run, play, and enjoy their favourite activities without discomfort. Nicholas is also highly experienced in sports injuries, helping athletes recover and perform at their best while preventing future issues.
Outside of his professional life, Nicholas enjoys spending quality time with his family, often camping, fishing, and soaking up the beach lifestyle. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he is an avid football/soccer player and enjoys staying active in various sports.
Nicholas is committed to providing compassionate, expert care for patients of all ages, with a focus on improving mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.
Nicholas is available for Podiatry appointments at our Broadbeach and Burleigh clinics.
Aleks Baruksopulo
Podiatry Managing Partner
Aleks exclusively sees Musculoskeletal, Sports, Running & Exercise cases and has 18+ years of experience in this area with over 40,000 patient consultations performed over this time. His main professional passion is helping patients of all ages recover from injury and get back to the regular physical activity they love doing.
He has a particular interest and niche in running injuries, including authoring a book (available on Amazon & in-clinic) called: The Runner’s Foot Guide – Feet, Shoes, Myths & Tips.
Other experience includes previously owning a running shoe store called ‘The Podiatry Shoe Lab’, completing the ‘Lv2 Athletics Australia Recreational Running Coach’ accreditation, being a previous Podiatry clinical supervisor at Southern Cross University (Gold Coast campus), previous Podiatrist to GPS (“jeeps”) Rugby Union club, North Devils Rugby League club, and the Brisbane Roar Soccer club. He is a managing partner at ‘Podiatry at Sports & Spinal’ whose main aim is to help our Podiatrists excel in providing outstanding Sports, Exercise, Running, and Musculoskeletal Podiatry care.
Aleks is skilled in Sports, Exercise & Running Podiatry care, gait analysis, biomechanics, running shoe education, strength & conditioning, return to running planning, close collaboration with medical professionals (GPs, Sports Physicians & Orthopaedic surgeons), EMS Shockwave Therapy and Class 4 Laser musculoskeletal treatments.
He has a Podiatry degree from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and a Biomedical Science degree from the University of Queensland (UQ).
Aleks is available for Musculoskeletal, Sports, Running & Exercise Podiatry appointments at our Broadbeach and Burleigh.
Take a tour of @sportsandspinal_indro!
Today we recognise International Day of People with Disability, and reaffirm our purpose to inspire, engage and empower everyone on their journey of health and wellbeing.
Roll it out with Shannon, our amazing Exercise Physiologist at @sportsandspinalkawana! 🌀
Smiles all around during our famous New Grad Week at Sports & Spinal!
Movement is Medicine 💪
It’s #WorldDiabetesDay! Dietitian Caitlin Follett, based at our Nambour clinic, shares simple tips to keep your blood sugar steady.
👋 Meet Johnny!
Swipe to see what scares our multidisciplinary team the most… from podiatrists to physios 👻
This bright, modern clinic is home to a dedicated allied health team providing physiotherapy, exercise physiology, podiatry, remedial massage, dietetics, clinical pilates, and seniors` functional strength & mobility classes. 💪
If you’re in the area, pop in or book via the link in bio!
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At Sports & Spinal, inclusion means meeting people where they are, in our clinics, in homes, and in the community through @team_rehab_solutions.
Together, we’re proud to be an NDIS-registered provider helping create accessible, compassionate care for every body and every ability. 💙
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3 simple foam roller moves to improve spinal mobility & posture:
1️⃣ Thoracic Extensions: counteract slouching
2️⃣ Snow Angel Arms: get those shoulder blades gliding
3️⃣ Open Books: unlock upper spine rotation
Perfect for better posture, less stiffness, and feeling amazing day-to-day. Grab your foam roller and follow along, your back will thank you! 🙌
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Our full week of hands-on training, guidance, and support helps new grads advance their skills, build confidence, and thrive in a supportive team environment, coming up in 2026 💙
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Whether it’s a walk, a stretch, or a full workout, staying active keeps your body strong, joints healthy, and mind sharp. Your daily dose of movement matters!
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Top tips:
1️⃣ Eat regular meals + snacks
2️⃣ Choose wholegrain carbs
3️⃣ Include protein, carbs & veggies
4️⃣ Watch portions
5️⃣ Spread carbs evenly
Our Sports & Spinal dietitians can create personalised plans to support your health. Caitlin is available at our Nambour clinic, book using the link in our bio!
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Johnny graduated from James Cook University in 2019 and specialises in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, also providing tailored care for clients under the NDIS. He loves helping people achieve ambitious goals, whether it’s returning to running, kayaking, or even picking up fishing again.
In 2022, Johnny became Clinical Mentor & Sports Medicine Coordinator for the Solomon Islands Institute of Sport, supporting athletes across 22+ sports for the 2023 Pacific Games, often treating under coconut trees, a career highlight! He’s also a qualified Strength & Conditioning Level 1 Coach, trained in Western Acupuncture and Dry Needling.
When he’s not working, Johnny enjoys rugby league, scuba diving, and gardening.
Book a physiotherapy consult with Johnny at our Beenleigh clinic! Link in bio 😉
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They might be terrified of bad posture, but they truly only want the best for you!
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