Podiatry in Howick
Foot and ankle care โ from heel pain and ingrown toenails to custom orthotics and diabetic foot management. No referral required.
Book a Podiatry AppointmentYour feet carry you through everything. We make sure they can.
Podiatry is the specific branch of allied health focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. A qualified podiatrist assesses your gait, biomechanics, skin and nail health, and foot structure to resolve pain and keep you moving well.
At Velca Allied Health in Howick, our podiatrist works alongside our physiotherapy and chiropractic team so that complex foot, ankle, and lower-limb presentations receive coordinated, evidence-based care โ all under one roof.
What does a podiatrist treat?
Podiatry covers a broad range of foot and ankle conditions. Below are the presentations we commonly manage at Velca. For the full list of conditions across the clinic, see our Conditions We Treat page.
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
Sharp pain in the heel or arch, especially on first steps in the morning. One of the most common presentations in podiatry, and highly treatable with targeted therapy. See also: shockwave therapy for chronic cases.
Ingrown Toenails
Painful nails growing into surrounding skin, often causing infection. Podiatrists can remove the offending nail edge and, where recurrent, perform a minor procedure to prevent regrowth.
Fungal Nail Infections
Thickened, discoloured, brittle nails caused by onychomycosis. Podiatrists assess severity and advise on topical or systemic treatment options.
Flat Feet & High Arches
Structural foot posture issues that alter biomechanics and contribute to knee, hip, and lower back pain. Custom orthotics and exercise programmes address both.
Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
A bony bump at the base of the big toe causing pain and altered gait. Conservative management includes offloading devices, orthotics, and footwear advice to slow progression.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes increases risk of foot complications including neuropathy, ulceration, and poor healing. Regular podiatric review is a key part of preventative diabetes management.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, often in runners and active adults. Podiatry works alongside our physiotherapy team and shockwave therapy for optimal outcomes.
Corns & Calluses
Thickened skin from pressure or friction. Podiatrists debride hard skin and identify biomechanical or footwear causes to reduce recurrence.
Verrucae (Plantar Warts)
Viral warts on the sole of the foot, often painful under weight-bearing load. Podiatrists offer a range of evidence-based treatment options.
Ankle Sprains & Sports Injuries
Ligament sprains, stress fractures, and overuse injuries affecting the foot and ankle. See also foot and ankle pain for related conditions.
Gait Analysis
Assessment of how you walk and run to identify movement faults contributing to pain in the knees, legs, hips, or lower back.
Custom Orthotics
Prescription insoles designed to correct foot posture, redistribute load, and relieve chronic pain. Fabricated from a detailed biomechanical assessment.
What to expect at a podiatry appointment at Velca
Your first podiatry appointment typically runs 45โ60 minutes. Here is what the process looks like:
Health history & chief complaint
Your podiatrist will take a thorough history including current foot symptoms, previous injuries, relevant medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, arthritis), medications, and footwear habits.
Biomechanical & postural assessment
A detailed examination of your foot structure, joint range of motion, muscle strength, and alignment โ in standing, seated, and during walking where relevant.
Gait analysis
Observation of your walking pattern to identify biomechanical contributors to your symptoms. This informs orthotic prescription and exercise recommendations.
Diagnosis & treatment plan
Your podiatrist will explain your diagnosis clearly, walk you through the contributing factors, and outline a personalised treatment plan โ including in-clinic treatment, home exercises, and any referral requirements.
Hands-on treatment
Where appropriate, treatment begins in the first session โ this may include nail or skin care, strapping, orthotic advice, soft tissue therapy, or shockwave referral for chronic tendon conditions.
For appointment costs, see our Pricing page. Questions before you book? Check our FAQs.
Better results when your team works together
Foot and ankle problems rarely exist in isolation. At Velca, our podiatrist collaborates closely with the wider clinical team to address the full picture โ from your feet to your spine. Explore our other services below.
Rehabilitation for the knee, hip, and lower back โ often linked to foot mechanics and gait.
Related service ChiropracticSpinal and joint care addressing whole-chain biomechanical imbalances.
Related service Shockwave TherapyGold-standard treatment for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and chronic heel pain.
Related service MassageSoft tissue therapy to reduce calf, plantar, and lower limb tension alongside podiatric care.
Condition Foot & Ankle PainComprehensive overview of common foot and ankle conditions and treatments at Velca.
Condition Knee PainFoot posture and gait are a primary driver of patellofemoral and other knee conditions.
Who benefits from podiatry?
Podiatry is appropriate for people of all ages โ from children with developmental foot concerns through to older adults managing chronic conditions. You are likely to benefit from a podiatry assessment if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent heel, arch, or forefoot pain
- Painful or problematic toenails
- Foot pain that is limiting your exercise or daily activity
- Foot complications related to diabetes or poor circulation
- Recurrent ankle sprains or instability
- Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back linked to the way you walk
- Hard skin, corns, or calluses causing discomfort
- Children's foot posture concerns (in-toeing, flat feet, growing pains)
Unsure if podiatry is the right starting point?
Our Complimentary Check with a Velca chiropractor is a no-cost, no-obligation assessment for new patients that helps direct you to the right clinician for your needs.
You can also visit our Our Team page to learn more about the practitioners at Velca before booking.
Book Complimentary CheckPodiatry FAQs
More questions? Visit our full FAQ page.
What does a podiatrist treat?
A podiatrist diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. Common presentations include heel pain (plantar fasciitis), ingrown toenails, bunions, flat feet, fungal nail infections, diabetic foot complications, corns and calluses, Achilles tendon pain, and sports-related foot injuries. Podiatrists also provide custom orthotics and gait analysis to address biomechanical contributors to lower-limb pain.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist at Velca?
No referral is needed. You can book directly online at velca.co.nz or call our Howick clinic on 09 950 6801. Velca is an ACC-registered clinic, so eligible injury-related conditions may qualify for subsidised treatment โ bring any relevant documentation to your appointment.
What is the difference between a podiatrist and a physiotherapist for foot pain?
Both podiatrists and physiotherapists can treat foot and ankle pain, but their scope differs. Podiatrists focus exclusively on the foot, ankle, and lower limb โ including nail and skin pathology, diabetic foot care, and custom orthotics. Physiotherapists take a broader musculoskeletal approach and address contributing factors across the knee, hip, and spine. At Velca, our multidisciplinary model means both can collaborate on complex or whole-chain presentations.
Can orthotics help with knee or hip pain?
Yes. Custom orthotics correct biomechanical imbalances in foot posture that transmit load up through the ankle, knee, and hip. Correcting foot mechanics can meaningfully reduce joint stress โ particularly in runners, people with flat feet, or those on their feet for long periods. Your podiatrist and physiotherapist at Velca can work together to address both the foot origin and the knee or hip presentation.
Is shockwave therapy available for heel pain and plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Velca offers shockwave therapy in Howick, which has strong clinical evidence for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and other chronic tendon and fascia conditions. Shockwave is often used in combination with podiatric assessment and orthotic prescription for faster, more durable results in persistent heel pain.
How much does a podiatry appointment cost at Velca?
Visit our Pricing page for current appointment fees. ACC-eligible conditions may attract a subsidised rate. We are also Southern Cross affiliated โ please check with your insurer regarding podiatry cover under your policy.
Where is Velca's podiatry clinic located?
Velca is located at 3/10 Wellington Street, Howick, East Auckland โ easily accessible from Pakuranga, Botany, Bucklands Beach, Half Moon Bay, Beachlands, Flat Bush, and surrounding suburbs. See our Find Us page for directions and parking information, or the full list of areas we serve.
Serving East Auckland and surrounding suburbs
Our Howick podiatry clinic is conveniently located for patients across East Auckland. We regularly see patients from:
- Howick
- Pakuranga
- Botany Downs
- Bucklands Beach
- Half Moon Bay
- Beachlands
- Flat Bush
- Dannemora
- Somerville
- Cockle Bay
- Shelly Park
- East Tฤmaki
Ready to get your feet back on track?
Book a podiatry appointment at Velca in Howick today โ no referral required.
๐ 3/10 Wellington Street, Howick ยท ๐ 09 950 6801 ยท Open Mon โ Sat