Quick answer: Arch Pain Children Flat Feet When Normal When Worry has multiple potential causes including mechanical, neurological, vascular, and inflammatory. The most common causes we identify are overuse, ill-fitting shoes, and biomechanical imbalance. Red flags requiring urgent evaluation: warmth/redness (infection), inability to bear weight (fracture), and unilateral swelling without injury (DVT). Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.
▶ Watch
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Watch: Kids’ Arch Pain
Dr. Tom explains kids’ arch pain and flat feet — when it’s normal development, when to worry.
Kids’ Arch Support Kit
For kids with symptomatic flat feet, these four cover Dr. Tom’s conservative approach:
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. This supports our free patient education content.
First-line support for symptomatic pediatric flat feet.
Firm heel counter + moderate flex.
For Sever’s disease — calcaneal apophysitis padding.
Gentle topical for activity-related soreness.
Related: Pediatric Flat Feet · Sever’s Disease · Book Pediatric Visit
In Our Clinic
In our clinic, the flat-footed patient who actually needs intervention is the one whose arch is collapsing progressively in adulthood — not the person who was born flat-footed and has been running 5Ks pain-free for 20 years. We evaluate for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) with single-heel-rise testing, check for the “too many toes” sign from behind, and get weight-bearing X-rays. Early PTTD responds well to a custom orthotic with a medial heel skive + short course of boot immobilization. Stage 2+ PTTD is a different conversation — we discuss tendon transfers and calcaneal osteotomy candidates.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Plantar Fasciitis Essentials
Best Night Splint
![Reverse Flat Feet & Overpronation FAST [FIX Knee, Hip & Back Pain]](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/b221dbb3772b49e79113246424b17b16.jpg)
Watch: Reverse Flat Feet & Overpronation FAST [FIX Knee, Hip & Back Pain] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube
Keeps fascia stretched overnight — the #1 intervention for morning heel pain.
Top Podiatrist-Recommended Insole
Deep heel cup + arch support unloads the plantar fascia all day.
Plantar Fasciitis Compression Sock
Arch support + circulation boost — reduces morning heel pain and swelling.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
If morning heel pain has persisted more than 6 weeks, home care alone rarely fixes it. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we combine in-office ultrasound diagnostics, custom orthotics, and — when needed — shockwave or PRP to resolve plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to stretching and inserts. Most patients are walking pain-free within 4-8 weeks of starting a structured plan.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your flat feet, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Book online 24/7. (810) 206-1402
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor?
See a podiatrist if pain persists past 2 weeks, prevents normal activity, or is accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, swelling, numbness, inability to bear weight).
Can I treat this at home?
Mild cases respond to RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), supportive shoes, and OTC anti-inflammatories. Persistent symptoms need professional evaluation.
How long does it take to heal?
Most soft tissue injuries resolve in 2-6 weeks with appropriate care. Bone injuries take 6-12 weeks. Chronic conditions need longer-term management.
Ready to feel better?
Appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
Book Your VisitGet Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
Can flat feet be corrected?
Treatment depends on whether flat feet cause symptoms. Options range from custom orthotics and supportive shoes for mild cases to physical therapy for muscle strengthening. For severe, symptomatic flatfoot that doesn't respond to conservative care, Dr. Biernacki performs reconstructive surgery including tendon transfers and bone realignment procedures with excellent outcomes.
Are flat feet a problem?
Flat feet (pes planus) don't always cause problems. However, symptomatic flatfoot can lead to arch pain, heel pain, shin splints, knee pain, hip pain, and back pain due to altered biomechanics. Children's flat feet usually resolve naturally by age 6. Adult-acquired flatfoot (posterior tibial tendon dysfunction) is progressive and requires treatment to prevent worsening deformity.
What causes flat feet in adults?
Adult-acquired flatfoot is most commonly caused by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), where the tendon that supports the arch gradually weakens and tears. Risk factors include age over 40, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and prior injury. Other causes include arthritis, Charcot foot, and tarsal coalition. Early treatment prevents progression to rigid deformity.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.