"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 plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is rarely caused by one thing. We'll identify what's contributing to it, what's slowing your recovery and what needs to change to help you recover and reduce the chance of it returning.
- 01 A sudden jump in load: a new running plan, long walking days, or a busy stretch on your feet
- 02 Tight calves and Achilles placing more strain on your plantar fascia
- 03 Reduced ankle mobility, meaning more load is transferred through your heel
- 04 Foot mechanics, such as flat-foot collapse or high arches changing how load is shared
- 05 Footwear changes, including worn-out shoes or switching to minimal or barefoot styles too quickly
- 06 Old foot or ankle injuries that altered your loading patterns and never fully rehabbed
The sooner you understand what is driving your plantar fasciitis, the sooner you can start recovering.
Book a plantar fasciitis consultHow we treat it
A clear path to recovery
Most plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated. During your assessment, we'll identify what's contributing to it, what's preventing recovery, and create a personalised plan to help you recover and reduce the chance of it returning.
What we assess
- Tenderness pattern under the heel and along the arch (rules in plantar fasciitis vs other foot conditions)
- Calf flexibility, ankle mobility, and the strength of the foot's small intrinsic muscles
- How you walk and run: the timing of your foot strike, how your knee and hip share load
- Recent changes in your training, footwear, or daily standing volume
- Past foot or ankle injuries that may have altered loading patterns
Settle the pain
Hands-on treatment to ease the heel and arch, so you can get through your day without that sharp first-step pain.
Restore movement and strength
Progressive calf and foot strengthening to rebuild load tolerance and get you back to the activities you want to do.
Reduce future flare-ups
Load-management strategy, footwear guidance, and a maintenance plan to reduce the chance of it coming back.
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 plantar fasciitis
How long does plantar fasciitis usually take to settle?
Should I rest completely until it heals?
Do I need orthotics?
What about the first-step morning pain specifically?
Can I keep running with plantar fasciitis?
Is rolling my foot on a tennis ball helpful?
Will it come back if I stop treatment?
Start today
What you can do at home right now
Small, safe steps that usually help while you wait for your first appointment.
Calf stretch and foot mobility before standing up
Spend a minute moving your foot through gentle circles and pointing or flexing before putting weight on it for the first time. The morning pain often eases when the tissue is warmed up before being loaded.
A more supportive everyday shoe
If you are walking around in unsupportive shoes (jandals, worn old runners, hard work boots without insoles), switching to a structured shoe with a slightly raised heel often eases symptoms within days.
Reduce the biggest irritators for a week or two
Long runs, jumping, and very long standing days. You do not need to stop moving, just dial back the spikes that are flaring it most.
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.
- Numbness or tingling in the foot rather than pain (possible nerve involvement)
- Significant swelling, redness, or warmth (possible infection)
- Sudden severe pain after a fall or impact (possible fracture)
- Pain at rest, including pain that wakes you at night, that's getting worse
- Pain accompanied by feeling acutely unwell or a fever
Who we help
Care tailored to people like you
Plantar fasciitis 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.
Office workers
Relief from desk-related back, neck, and shoulder strain. Help with posture, headaches, RSI, and the wear of a sedentary work day.











