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Blog News
Latest from Staveley Street
Published 22/01/2026
Southern Cross Easy-Claim available
Solecare Podiatry is now registered with Southern Cross Health Insurance Easy-Claim.
If your policy includes podiatry cover, eligible claims can often be processed at the time of your appointment — reducing paperwork and upfront payment.
Easy-Claim availability depends on your individual policy and remaining benefits.
Please note: Easy-Claim is available for eligible Southern Cross members. Our team can assist if you have questions about using Easy-Claim
Published 18/08/2025
Your Feet in December – Why Everything Hurts More This Month
December is one of the busiest times of year for your feet. Long days, warmer weather, and end-of-year pressure all combine to make sore feet much more common — and for many people, problems that have been simmering away suddenly become hard to ignore.
Here’s why everything seems to flare up in December, and what you can do to stay comfortable as we head into the holiday season.
Here’s why everything seems to flare up in December, and what you can do to stay comfortable as we head into the holiday season.
1. You’re on your feet more than you realise. Between Christmas shopping, social events, school functions, gardening, and wrapping up work for the year, most of us do far more walking and standing in December than any other month.Even small increases — an extra hour at the mall or a day tidying the house — can push tired feet past their limit.If you’ve had mild heel pain, arch strain, or aching toes through the year, December tends to bring it to the surface.
2. Heat = swelling and swelling changes everything. Warm weather causes your feet and ankles to swell slightly. That’s completely normal — but it means: Sandals rub and irritate earlier, Footwear that “just fits” becomes tight, Pressure increases under the ball of the foot and Orthotics sometimes feel different or higher. This swelling explains why straps feel tight, why you may get blisters more easily, and why older shoes suddenly become uncomfortable.
3. “Holiday shoes” can be harder on your feet. December is the month where people switch from boots and covered shoes to flatter sandals, harder soles, or older favourites pulled out of storage. The trouble is, many summer shoes offer:Little cushioning, No arch support, Minimal adjustment or Slippery or worn soles.This often leads to sore heels, burning arches, and forefoot pain — all made worse if you’re doing extra walking.
If you’re upgrading this year, look for adjustable straps, cushioned soles, and a supportive footbed. (Our new Revere and Scholl ranges meet these criteria well.)
4. People wait too long to get things checked. We see it every year: a problem someone could have managed in November becomes a last-minute flare-up just before Christmas. By the time we reach the week of Christmas, the clinic is full and appointments are harder to find. If your feet have been grumbling for a while — or you’re noticing new discomfort as the weather warms up — December is the ideal time to address it before the holiday break.
5. A few small habits make a big difference. Here are some simple ways to keep your feet comfortable this month: Moisturise daily to reduce cracked heels (balm in the evening works best), Vary your footwear — don’t rely on one pair, Choose supportive sandals with adjustable straps, Take breaks during big shopping or gardening days, Ice sore spots in the evening if they start to flare. If you need help, book early - December fills quickly every year. If you’d like an appointment before Christmas, please book soon to secure a time that suits. We always do our best to prioritise existing patients — and if you can’t find a space online, please give us a call and we’ll try to make something work for you.
Wishing you a comfortable start to the summer season, The team at Solecare Podiatry.
2. Heat = swelling and swelling changes everything. Warm weather causes your feet and ankles to swell slightly. That’s completely normal — but it means: Sandals rub and irritate earlier, Footwear that “just fits” becomes tight, Pressure increases under the ball of the foot and Orthotics sometimes feel different or higher. This swelling explains why straps feel tight, why you may get blisters more easily, and why older shoes suddenly become uncomfortable.
3. “Holiday shoes” can be harder on your feet. December is the month where people switch from boots and covered shoes to flatter sandals, harder soles, or older favourites pulled out of storage. The trouble is, many summer shoes offer:Little cushioning, No arch support, Minimal adjustment or Slippery or worn soles.This often leads to sore heels, burning arches, and forefoot pain — all made worse if you’re doing extra walking.
If you’re upgrading this year, look for adjustable straps, cushioned soles, and a supportive footbed. (Our new Revere and Scholl ranges meet these criteria well.)
4. People wait too long to get things checked. We see it every year: a problem someone could have managed in November becomes a last-minute flare-up just before Christmas. By the time we reach the week of Christmas, the clinic is full and appointments are harder to find. If your feet have been grumbling for a while — or you’re noticing new discomfort as the weather warms up — December is the ideal time to address it before the holiday break.
5. A few small habits make a big difference. Here are some simple ways to keep your feet comfortable this month: Moisturise daily to reduce cracked heels (balm in the evening works best), Vary your footwear — don’t rely on one pair, Choose supportive sandals with adjustable straps, Take breaks during big shopping or gardening days, Ice sore spots in the evening if they start to flare. If you need help, book early - December fills quickly every year. If you’d like an appointment before Christmas, please book soon to secure a time that suits. We always do our best to prioritise existing patients — and if you can’t find a space online, please give us a call and we’ll try to make something work for you.
Wishing you a comfortable start to the summer season, The team at Solecare Podiatry.
Published 18/08/2025
Solecare Foot Balm – Natural Care, Podiatrist Made
We’ve been busy at Solecare creating another batch of our all-natural foot balm, and it’s quickly becoming a clinic favourite.Formulated by our podiatry team right here in Christchurch, the balm is designed to soothe dry, cracked heels and restore moisture to tired skin. What makes it different is its origin — it’s developed by podiatrists who understand the demands feet face every day. The balm combines natural ingredients with clinical insight to provide genuine foot care, not just a cosmetic fix.
Why we make our own
We make a small range of clinic-grade foot care because it lets us control what matters: simple ingredients, fresh batches, and products that do exactly what they say. No hype — just good, honest care made for real feet in a real clinic.
You can pick up a tin at your next appointment or contact us to reserve one. Because your feet deserve the same level of care as the rest of you. Posted by the Solecare Podiatry team, Christchurch.
Published 18/08/2025
Say Goodbye to Painful Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be more than just uncomfortable — they can make everyday walking and wearing shoes a painful challenge. Left untreated, they can also lead to infection and ongoing problems.
We offer permanent solutions for stubborn or recurring ingrown toenails through a simple, in-clinic surgical procedure.
Clear Pricing
At Solecare Podiatry, ingrown toenail surgery is affordable and transparent. The cost is $290 for the procedure, with an initial assessment of $74 and a follow-up review of $40. No hidden extras — just straightforward care from experienced podiatrists.
What's changed?
For the last few years, regulations meant patients often had to see their GP for a prescription before surgery could go ahead — adding time, cost, extra appointments, and delays.The good news is Medsafe has now reinstated our ability to provide the medication directly at your appointment.
From mid October, we will be able to offer a fully comprehensive service again
Relevant Facts
- No extra GP visit just to get a prescription
- Faster treatment
- Less waiting in pain
What’s involved in the surgery?
- A small local anaesthetic is used to numb the toe
- The ingrown section of the nail is removed
- A medical-grade chemical (Phenol) is applied to prevent that section from growing back
- A dressing is applied, and you can walk out of the clinic afterwards
Do I need surgery?
Not every ingrown toenail needs surgery. In many cases, conservative care can help — especially if it’s the first time you’ve had one. But if your toe is repeatedly painful, infected, or stopping you from daily activities, surgery is often the best long-term fix.
Who is it for?
- People with recurring ingrown nails
- Those with thick or curved nails prone to digging in
- Anyone with an infection caused by a nail edge
If you’ve been putting off treatment — now is the time to book an assessment. We see patients from Avonhead, Riccarton, Ilam, Burnside and across Christchurch. Same-week appointments are often available.
📞 Call us on (03) 669 2506
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We often get asked: “Do I need orthotics, or are better shoes enough?” The short answer? It depends — on your feet, your activity, and your pain.
👟 When Better Shoes Might Be Enough:If you’re experiencing mild aches after long days on your feet, or wear very flat shoes (like sneakers with no arch), simply switching to a supportive, well-cushioned shoe might solve the problem.
Look for:A firm heel counter (the back part shouldn’t collapse)Good arch contour inside the shoeA thick, shock-absorbing sole A re-enforced shank that resists torsion.
👟 When Better Shoes Might Be Enough:If you’re experiencing mild aches after long days on your feet, or wear very flat shoes (like sneakers with no arch), simply switching to a supportive, well-cushioned shoe might solve the problem.
Look for:A firm heel counter (the back part shouldn’t collapse)Good arch contour inside the shoeA thick, shock-absorbing sole A re-enforced shank that resists torsion.
🦶 When Orthotics Can Help:Orthotics are custom or semi-custom insoles that correct or support your foot posture. You might benefit from orthotics if you have:Heel pain or arch pain (plantar fasciitis)
Pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia)Flat feet or very high archesFoot fatigue even in good shoesKnee, hip, or lower back pain linked to walking posture
At Solecare, we offer both prefabricated orthotics and custom options, depending on your needs, budget, and activity level.Pro tip: Wearing great shoes with orthotics is often the winning combo.📞 Not sure what’s right for you? If you’re unsure whether orthotics are right for you, book an assessment and we’ll check your gait, posture, and foot health.
Published 04/08/25
We’re Avonhead Locals Too – Why Supporting Local Clinics Matters
- At Solecare, we’re not part of a franchise or national chain. We’re a local, independent podiatry clinic, based right here in Avonhead — and proud of it.
- 👣 Why It Matters:
- When you choose a local provider:
- Your money stays in the community - we also shop and support local
- You build a relationship with real people who know your health history
- You get continuity of care, not just a one-off appointment
- You help keep services like ours accessible to everyone, including those on funded health schemes
- We work closely with local GPs, diabetes nurses, and community health providers to make sure patients — especially those with diabetes or chronic health needs — get the care they deserve without delay. Serving Avonhead, Ilam, Riccarton, Russley and wider Christchurch.
- In uncertain times, your support helps keep local care alive. Thanks for choosing us, Christchurch. We won’t let you down.
Short FAQ
Q1. What does a podiatrist do?Podiatrists diagnose and treat problems related to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. This includes nail and skin care, pain management, orthotic therapy, diabetic foot care, and minor ingrowing toe nail surgery.
Q2. Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?No referral is required to book with Solecare. You can contact us directly — whether you're after general care, injury management, or advice on foot pain.
Q3. What are orthotics and do I need them?Orthotics are insoles designed to support or realign the feet. You may benefit from orthotics if you have flat feet, heel pain, shin splints, or knee discomfort. We offer both prefabricated and custom-made options, tailored to your lifestyle and budget.
Q4. Can podiatrists help with thick or fungal toenails?Yes — we manage all nail conditions, including fungal infections, thickened nails, and painful ingrown nails. Treatment may include debridement, topical or oral medication advice, or minor nail surgery.
Q5. Do you treat children and older adults?Absolutely. We provide care for all ages — from growing pains and flat feet in children, to balance, circulation, and skin care for older adults. However, there are some minimum ages for minor surgeries.
Q2. Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?No referral is required to book with Solecare. You can contact us directly — whether you're after general care, injury management, or advice on foot pain.
Q3. What are orthotics and do I need them?Orthotics are insoles designed to support or realign the feet. You may benefit from orthotics if you have flat feet, heel pain, shin splints, or knee discomfort. We offer both prefabricated and custom-made options, tailored to your lifestyle and budget.
Q4. Can podiatrists help with thick or fungal toenails?Yes — we manage all nail conditions, including fungal infections, thickened nails, and painful ingrown nails. Treatment may include debridement, topical or oral medication advice, or minor nail surgery.
Q5. Do you treat children and older adults?Absolutely. We provide care for all ages — from growing pains and flat feet in children, to balance, circulation, and skin care for older adults. However, there are some minimum ages for minor surgeries.
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