Keeping Bay of Plenty on its feet
Your Tauranga Podiatrist
Your feet carry you through work, sport and family life. When pain or skin changes slow you down, The Good Podiatrist restores comfort and confidence. Book an appointment today and feel the difference tomorrow.
Podiatrists specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the lower limb and foot
Podiatrists diagnose, treat and rehabilitate the lower limb and foot. At The Good Podiatrist you meet Sophronia (Saf) every visit, never a rotating roster. Saf listens, explains in plain language and designs evidence based plans that fit your lifestyle and budget. Clients quickly feel like family because the clinic values honesty, respect and genuine care.
General Podiatry / Footcare
Routine nail and skin care, corn removal, callus reduction and diabetic checks keep everyday feet safe and comfortable.
Biomechanics (Functional Issues)
Video gait analysis and custom orthoses correct misalignment, ease joint stress and prevent over-use injuries.
Minor Surgery & Verruca Needling
Permanent nail surgery and verruca needling carried out under local anaesthetic deliver rapid, lasting results.
At Risk Feet
Specialist care for diabetes, poor circulation or nerve damage focuses on early intervention.
ACC Injuries
Registered ACC provider managing sprains, fractures and post-operative rehab so you return to activity sooner.
Fix your feet now
Tell us what hurts and we will confirm an appointment within one business day.
Meet Saf
Your Tauranga Podiatrist
Saf founded The Good Podiatrist in 2020, inspired by her dad’s childhood encouragement that she would “make a good chiropodist” one day . Her career spans high-risk limb-salvage teams in the NHS and eight years alongside orthopaedic and vascular consultants at Tauranga Hospital. That depth of experience means complex cases feel simple in her care.
Away from clinic Saf is a mum of two, keen cook and strength-training enthusiast. She grew up in a humble council home and was the first in her family to attend university, so she understands hard work and empathy. Her mission is clear: reduce pain, restore function and help every person enjoy the activities they love.
What we treat
Below are the main conditions we treat on a weekly basis. If any of these are something you're dealing with, get in touch today.
Ingrown Toenails
Nail edge grows into surrounding skin causing redness, swelling, sharp pain and possible infection.
Bunion Pain
Enlarged joint at big toe base pushes the toe sideways, leading to aching, swelling and shoe discomfort.
Corns & Callus
Localised thick, hard skin forms over pressure points and can feel tender or burn while walking.
Lower Back Pain
Poor foot alignment transfers stress upward, contributing to a dull lumbar ache when walking or standing.
Arch Pain
Strain of the plantar fascia or supporting ligaments under the arch causes soreness, stiffness and fatigue.
Shin Pain
Overworked shin muscles or inflamed bone covering trigger tenderness along lower leg front during exercise.
Knee Pain
Misaligned leg mechanics irritate knee cartilage or tendons, resulting in aching, clicking or a feeling of instability.
Heel Pain
Often plantar fasciitis that triggers stabbing heel pain on first steps and after long periods standing.
Fungal Toenails
Fungal infection discolours and thickens the nail, making it crumbly and possibly lifting from the nail bed.
Plantar Warts or Verrucas
Viral lesions on the sole appear as rough bumps with black dots and hurt when pressure is applied.
Flat Feet & Pronation
Low arches cause feet to roll inward, tiring legs quickly and stressing ankles, knees and hips.
Sever’s Disease / Growing Pains
Heel growth-plate irritation in active children produces sharp pain during running, jumping or sports.
Do you have any of these foot issues?
Common Podiatrist FAQ's
What Is A Podiatrist?
Podiatrist’s deal with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the lower limb and are qualified to treat people with many health conditions like arthritis and diabetes. They can also perform nail surgery and assess sports/general injuries. They work with people of all ages and play and important role in helping people to stay mobile and, therefore, independent.
What Qualification’s does a Podiatrist have?
Podiatry is a three-year science degree learning everything there is to know about the dynamics of the foot and how to provide total care for it. This includes physiology, anatomy and biomechanics.
Do I need a referral to see a Podiatrist?
No you do not need a referral.
What is a Custom Orthotic?
Custom orthotics are medical devices that are formed by taking mould or impression of the foot either with a foam box, plaster of paris or a 3D digital scan using a special camera.
How are Custom Orthotics made?
A mould of each foot is taken either with plaster of paris or a foam box. This is then sent to an Orthotics Lab to be purpose built for each individual.
The supplier chosen for casted orthotics is also very important to obtain the best bespoke device available. At The Good Podiatrist we have chosen Ganley Orthotics due to their superior systems and high standards. They use a CAD/CAM and CNC machinery automated system. This means a 3D image is taken of the foam mould and sent direct to the lab digitally.
Then based on the prescription requested by your podiatrist and using high tech software, an orthotic is designed for your individual needs. This reduces in-accuracies and human error. The CAD system is NOT a “matching: library system of pre-determined shapes. Pre-determined shapes from a library system are considered to be a hybrid of a prefabricated device, not a true custom orthotic designed from your own foot shape.
Are there different types of Custom Orthotics?
Yes. There is rigid, semi-rigid and accomodative custom orthotics.
Can I wear some one else’s orthotics?
No, you could not use a custom orthotic that was made for another person. This is because as humans are feet are unique, otherwise there would be no need to take an impression of your feet.
Are Orthotics Expensive?
Orthotic price vary according to their quality, purpose and life span. At The Good Podiatrist the cost varies from $90 to $600 subject to device (additional costs may apply).
Pre-fabricated orthotics can last from 12-18 months.
Casted orthotics price vary from depending on the supplier and quality. They can seem more expensive intially but they do last between 3-5 years. if you spread the cost over that time period, they are more cost effective than prefabricated orthotics.
