"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."
What's behind it
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 consultHow 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
Settle the pain
Hands-on treatment to reduce pain and restore comfortable movement so you can get through the day without guarding every step.
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.
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.
Your care team
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
What patients say
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’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!"
"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."
"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."
What to expect
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.
The questions we'll answer
- 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.
Frequently asked
FAQs about foot & ankle pain
What does an osteopath do for foot and ankle pain?
Can you help with recurring ankle sprains?
Do I need scans for ankle or foot pain?
Should I rest it completely?
What shoes should I wear?
Will I get exercises?
Start today
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.
Some signs need same-day attention
These are uncommon, but if any apply, do not wait for an appointment.
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)
Who we help
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.
Sports & athletes
Faster recovery, smarter training, and lasting injury prevention. Hands-on Osteopathy for runners, lifters, team-sport players, and weekend warriors.
Tradies & manual workers
Hands-on care for tradies and manual workers. Help with back, knee, shoulder, and wrist strain so you can keep working without recurring flare-ups.
Seniors
Helping you stay mobile, comfortable, and independent. Gentle Osteopathy for arthritis, balance, post-surgery recovery, and confident movement.
Office workers
Relief from desk-related back, neck, and shoulder strain. Help with posture, headaches, RSI, and the wear of a sedentary work day.
Further reading
- First aid 6 min
Just Rolled Your Ankle? Here's What to Do
A clear first-day plan for a fresh ankle sprain. POLICE protocol, when to get an X-ray, ACC, and the rehab that prevents re-injury.
- Guide 6 min
6 Tips to Manage Plantar Fasciitis (And What Actually Moves the Needle)
Practical, evidence-aware tips for managing plantar fasciitis: load management, calf and foot strength, footwear, morning routine, when to seek care.
- Guide 6 min
Growing Pains in Children: When to Worry, How to Help
Growing pains explained: typical age, symptom pattern, the difference from injury, and when Osteopathy is worth considering.











