“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 19 years of clinical practice, exclusively treating Musculoskeletal, Sports, Running, and Exercise-related conditions. Having completed more than 40,000 patient consultations, he is highly regarded for his ability to help patients of all ages recover from injury and return to the physical activities they love.
He has a strong professional interest in 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, and practical guidance.
Aleks’ career includes diverse roles across sport, footwear, and education. He previously 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 the Podiatrist for GPS (“Jeeps”) Rugby Union, Norths Devils Rugby League, and the Brisbane Roar Football Club.
As a managing partner at Podiatry at Sports & Spinal, Aleks is committed to supporting the professional growth of his team while ensuring the delivery of exceptional Sports, Exercise, Running, and Musculoskeletal Podiatry care.
His clinical expertise includes Sports, Exercise, and Running Podiatry, gait analysis, biomechanics, running shoe education, strength and conditioning, return-to-running programming, and multidisciplinary collaboration with GPs, Sports Physicians, and Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Aleks holds 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.
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