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Foot & ankle pain, anatomical illustration
Conditions we treat

Foot and ankle pain treatment in Christchurch

Foot and ankle pain can affect every step you take. Whether it's the first steps out of bed in the morning, standing for hours at work, walking the dog, or getting back to running or sport, we'll help you understand what's causing your pain, what's preventing recovery, and create a personalised plan to help you get back on your feet.

ACC handled in-house No referral needed Same-day appointments often available

Common foot and ankle pain symptoms

Most people we see with foot and ankle pain experience two or more of the symptoms below. If they sound familiar, a thorough assessment can help identify what's causing them and the best path to recovery.

The sooner you understand what's causing your foot and ankle pain, the sooner you can start recovering.

Book a foot and ankle pain consult

What's contributing to your foot and ankle pain?

Foot and ankle pain is rarely caused by one thing. We'll identify what's contributing to your pain, what's slowing your recovery and what needs to change to help you recover and reduce the chance of it returning.

  • 01 Ankle sprains and ligament strain, including old injuries that never fully healed
  • 02 Plantar heel and arch pain from overloaded or irritated soft tissue
  • 03 Achilles tendon irritation from running, jumping, or sudden load increases
  • 04 Calf tightness and poor ankle mobility increasing strain through your foot
  • 05 Overuse from a new training program, long walks, or busy periods on your feet
  • 06 Foot mechanics such as flat-foot collapse or high arches reducing shock absorption

The sooner you understand what is driving your foot and ankle pain, the sooner you can start recovering.

Book a foot and ankle pain consult

How we treat it

A clear path to recovery

Most foot and ankle pain can be successfully treated. During your assessment, we'll identify what's contributing to your pain, what's preventing recovery, and create a personalised plan to help you recover and reduce the chance of it returning.

What we assess

  • Foot and ankle mobility, strength, swelling, irritability
  • Walking and running mechanics, balance and proprioception
  • Calf flexibility and tendon loading capacity
  • Knee and hip control that influences foot loading
  • Work and training volume, footwear, surfaces, and recovery
01 Relieve

Settle the pain

Hands-on treatment to reduce pain and restore comfortable movement so you can get through the day without guarding every step.

02 Rebuild

Restore movement and strength

Progressive strengthening and stability work to rebuild your foot and ankle's capacity to handle walking, standing, and the activities you want to return to.

03 Prevent

Reduce future flare-ups

A load strategy, footwear guidance, and a return-to-activity plan tailored to your goals so you stay on your feet with confidence.

Meet your care team

Every osteopath at Better Health Osteopathy is registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand and follows the same evidence-informed approach to assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. This page is clinically reviewed by Lorraine Herity, Clinic Director & Principal Osteopath.

Experienced osteopaths you can trust

Whoever you see, you will receive the same thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and personalised rehabilitation plan. We work as one team to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.

  • Over 60,000 consultations
  • Helping Christchurch for over 10 years
  • Registered OCNZ osteopaths
  • ACC accredited
  • Same-day appointments often available

Real stories from Christchurch patients

There is no better measure of our care than the experiences of the people we have helped. Here is what Christchurch patients say about their recovery.

★★★★★
"I started at Better Health Osteopathy 3 weeks ago. Sam, on reception was exceptionally helpful, even calling one of the osteopath's out to answer my questions and putting my mind at ease. Ella, the osteopath assigned to me is amazing. I would totally recommend her and the practice."

Brian and Linda Cousins

★★★★★
"I’ve been seeing Lorraine for several years now and she is nothing short of a miracle worker. No matter what I walk in with - aches, pains or something that just feels “off” - she always knows exactly what to do and somehow gets my body back on track every single time. Beyond her incredible skill and knowledge, Lorraine is an absolute delight. She creates such a warm, welcoming environment and genuinely cares about her clients. You never feel rushed - she takes the time to listen, understand and treat the root of the problem. As both the clinic owner and manager, it’s clear she pours her heart into Better Health Osteopathy and it shows in every aspect of the experience. If you’re looking for someone you can truly trust with your body, Lorraine is the one. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!"

Stewart Wilson

★★★★★
"Such an awesome clinic. Fixed me every time and helps me to feel stronger and healthier as a result. Couldn’t recommend more. They are worth their weight in gold."

Mel Stopford

★★★★★
"Highly recommend. I have been seeing Lorraine at BHO for multiple years now including visits for both of my children as newborns. So handy to now have a second location on Colombo street! Beautiful, clean clinic and the staff are friendly as always. Overall a great experience and well worth it in my opinion."

Georgia Black

What to expect at your first appointment

Our goal is simple: give you answers, explain your options, and help you take the next step towards recovery.

30 minutes

Time to listen, assess and answer your questions.

Bring

Comfortable clothing, any scans, and your ACC details if it is an injury.

You will leave knowing

A clear understanding of what is causing your pain and your personalised recovery plan.

No referral needed

Book directly. We will take care of your ACC claim if needed.

  • What's causing my pain?
  • Why did it happen?
  • Why isn't it getting better?
  • Is anything else contributing?
  • What's the best path to recovery?

We will explain everything in plain English, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your treatment options before moving forward.

New here? See what to expect at your first visit , or see our fees .

Book your visit

Ready to get back to the life you love?

We will help you understand what is causing your pain and create a personalised plan to help you recover.

FAQs about foot & ankle pain

What does an osteopath do for foot and ankle pain?

We assess how your foot and ankle are moving and loading, plus the calf, knee, and hip that influence mechanics. Treatment may include hands-on care and a progressive rehab plan.

Can you help with recurring ankle sprains?

Often yes. Recurring sprains are commonly linked to reduced ankle stability and balance. Rehab is usually a key part of long-term improvement.

Do I need scans for ankle or foot pain?

Not always. If you can't weight-bear, pain is severe, or symptoms suggest bone injury or a stress reaction, imaging may be recommended. We'll guide you based on your assessment.

Should I rest it completely?

Usually not. Relative rest (reducing the main irritators) combined with safe movement and gradual strengthening is often more effective than total rest.

What shoes should I wear?

It depends on your foot, your activity, and what's driving symptoms. We can guide you on footwear basics and whether support or changes may help.

Will I get exercises?

Often yes. Strength, stability, and tendon capacity work is commonly essential for long-term results.

What you can do at home right now

Small, safe steps that usually help while you wait for your first appointment.

Reduce irritators for 7-10 days

Hills, jumping, long runs, or high-volume standing if they flare symptoms.

Keep safe movement going

Short, tolerable walks are often better than total rest.

Calf and ankle mobility work

Gentle daily mobility can reduce strain through the foot.

Balance practice

Simple single-leg balance helps ankle stability and reduces re-sprain risk.

When to seek urgent care

Some signs need same-day attention

These are uncommon, but if any apply, do not wait for an appointment.

Call us now 0800 67 77 00

If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent medical care or call 111.

  • Inability to weight-bear after an injury
  • Significant swelling or bruising, or obvious deformity
  • Severe pain directly over the bones of the ankle or foot (possible fracture)
  • Rapidly worsening numbness or weakness
  • Redness or heat with fever, or feeling acutely unwell (possible infection)

Care tailored to people like you

Foot & ankle pain shows up differently depending on your life and work. Explore the care built for your situation.