“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 - Paediatrics & Musculoskeletal
Aleks Baruksopulo
Podiatry Founding Partner – Musculoskeletal, Sports & Exercise
Nicholas Roth
Podiatrist - Paediatrics & Musculoskeletal
Podiatrist – Paediatrics and Musculoskeletal
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 Founding Partner – Musculoskeletal, Sports & Exercise
Podiatry Founding Partner – Musculoskeletal, Sports & Exercise
Aleks is an experienced Podiatrist with over 20 years of sports clinical practice treating Musculoskeletal, Sports, Running, and Exercise-related conditions. Having completed more than 40,000 patient consultations, he is highly regarded on the Gold Coast for his ability to help patients of all ages recover from injury and return to the physical activities they love.
Aleks has been a previous high level junior athlete (Basketball), recreational athlete, fitness enthusiast and avid strength trainer (for performance and injury prevention) for over 30 years. His sporting pursuits have spanned Basketball, Triathlons, Endurance Running (½ marathons), Rowing (still water and surf boats) and most recently Tennis – an incredibly frustrating (but highly enjoyable) sport to try and master!
Now being in his mid-40s with his personal and clinic experience he has a clear understanding about the importance of maintaining physical strength, conditioning and “smart” activity to help “keep together” an aging body (and mind) from a life well physically lived.
He has a strong professional interest in preventing running injuries and has authored The Runner’s Foot Guide – Feet, Shoes, Myths & Tips, (available on Amazon and in clinic). His work reflects a longstanding passion for supporting runners through evidence-based care, education, practical guidance and collaboration with other allied health and medical professionals.
Aleks’ career includes diverse roles across sport, footwear, and education. He previously co-owned a specialty running shoe store, The Podiatry Shoe Lab, completed the Level 2 Athletics Australia Recreational Running Coach accreditation, and served as a clinical supervisor for Southern Cross University’s Podiatry program at the Gold Coast campus. He has also been a treating Podiatrist for GPS (“Jeeps”) Rugby Union (Brisbane), Norths Devils Rugby League (Brisbane), Wilston Grange AFL club (Brisbane) and the Brisbane Roar Football Club (Brisbane).
He has treated professional athletes including Olympians (Basketball, Weightlifting & Running), Basketballers (NBA & NBL), NRL football players and Surf Sports. He has treated an array of junior level emerging stars from Basketball, different Football codes, Tennis, Running, Triathlon and Surf Sports. He has also treated an ‘A-List’ US movie star – whose name he will keep a secret!
Aleks holds 2 degrees – a Podiatry degree from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and a Biomedical Science degree from the University of Queensland (UQ).
He is available for Musculoskeletal, Sports, Running, and Exercise Podiatry appointments at our Broadbeach and Burleigh clinics.
Exciting news from the Sports & Spinal Group family! 🎉
It’s Exercise Right Week! 💪 From 23–30 May, it’s the perfect time to kickstart healthier habits and discover the benefits of moving your body every day.
Strong knees, strong movement 💪
Nothing wrong with a bit of a strut @sportsandspinalsippydowns 😄
Behind every great outcome is a great conversation.
Flashback to this little visitor stealing hearts at our Woolloongabba clinic 🐶💙
The upgrades are complete! The new look @sportsandspinalcaloundra is officially here. The team is settled, the space looks incredible, and there is a lot of extra energy in the clinic this week!
Wake up to tropical vibes 🌴
@team_rehab_solutions has officially launched a brand-new website.
As our community-based allied health team continues to grow across South East Queensland, the new website has been designed to make it easier for clients, participants, families and referral partners to access information and connect with support.
From streamlined referral forms and dedicated service pathways to updated team profiles and a brand-new resource hub, there`s plenty to explore.
We`re incredibly proud of the team and the work that has gone into creating a better experience for the communities they support every day️.
Go check it out and show them some love 👏
Link in their bio: @team_rehab_solutions
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your fitness to the next level, our accredited Exercise Physiologists are here to guide you safely, confidently and effectively.
Expert advice, practical tips and personalised support to help you make movement part of your life.
Need help getting started? Our incredible EPs are ready to help!
#ExerciseRightWeek #ExercisePhysiology #SportsAndSpinal #ExerciseForLife #MovementMatters
Our Physiotherapists provide tailored care to help you recover, prevent injury, and get back to doing what you love.
#sportsandspinal #physiotherapy #kneerehab #injuryprevention #wellnessjourney
Our team is here to listen, assess, and guide you on your health journey.
#sportsandspinal #healthcare #wellness #physiotherapy #exercisewell
Who else loves a puppy pick-me-up?
#sportsandspinal #puppytherapy #cliniccuties #wellnessmoments #dogsofinstagram
We’ve built this space with your comfort and recovery in mind, featuring a brand-new gym and dedicated Pilates zone, but with the same great care from the team you know and trust.
Come by and say hello; we’d love to show you around!
🔗 Link in bio to book your next session.
#SportsAndSpinal #Caloundra #NewLook #ClinicUpgrade
Try our Pineapple Coconut Overnight Oats from our expert Dietitian team! Quick, simple, and gut-friendly. Small changes can make a big impact on your health.
#sportsandspinal #guthealth #healthyrecipes #overnightoats #nutritionmadeeasy


