Worried about your child’s foot? From flatfoot to Sever’s to ingrown nails, we treat kids gently and effectively.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — serves patients here. Book online or call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
Quick answer: Childrens Foot Problems Podiatrist Michigan is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Book online, or call (810) 206-1402.
The most important clinical decision with Childrens Foot Problems Podiatrist Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Children's Foot Problems: What's Normal vs What Needs a Podiatrist
Toe walking, flat feet, and growing pains — which resolve on their own and which don't.
Every product in this guide was selected by a board-certified podiatrist based on clinical outcomes in real patients — not based on affiliate commission rates. We've ranked them based on biomechanical design, durability, patient compliance, and cost-to-benefit ratio. All picks are personally recommended in our Michigan clinics every week.
Stride Rite 360 Artin Sneaker (Toddler/Little Kid)
Machine-washable memory-foam insole + flexible outsole for growing feet
Stride Rite 360 Artin is the pediatric sneaker I recommend when parents ask “what should my toddler wear?” — the outsole is flexible enough to let growing foot muscles develop their own arch (which happens normally between ages 3-6), but supportive enough to prevent stumble injuries. Machine-washable memory-foam insole handles the reality of toddler feet (spilled juice, mud, daycare sandbox), and the hook-and-loop closure lets kids self-dress. Stride Rite’s size system runs true to American Academy of Pediatrics measurement standards. Flexible forefoot is critical — rigid shoes can delay proper arch development. Wide toe box fits typical toddler foot shape.
- Toddlers learning to walk (9-24 months)
- Kids with flat-feet-variant-of-normal
- Preschool daily wear
- Older children needing arch support (age 6+)
- Kids with diagnosed overpronation (seek custom)
- ✔ Machine-washable memory-foam insole
- ✔ Flexible outsole (no arch restriction)
- ✔ Self-dress hook-and-loop closure
- ✔ Pediatrician-developed fit system
- ✖ Price creep ($50+) for size 12+ versions
- ✖ Not suitable for diagnosed arch issues
New Balance Kids 888v2 Hook and Loop Running Shoe
Athletic-grade pediatric running shoe with true heel counter support
New Balance 888v2 is what I fit on school-age kids presenting with heel pain — the firm heel counter limits calcaneal motion (reducing strain on the Achilles/growth-plate junction in Sever’s disease), and the cushioned midsole absorbs impact that otherwise radiates into the heel bone. Kids who’ve graduated from toddler shoes and are actually running (on school playgrounds, sports practices) need this level of support. Hook-and-loop gives parents control over fit consistency (laces get retied inconsistently by kids). EVA midsole lasts through a full school year of daily wear. Width options (medium, wide, extra-wide) help kids with wider feet.
- School-age runners (ages 5-12)
- Youth sports (soccer, basketball practice)
- Kids with Sever’s disease (heel cup support)
- Toddlers under 3 (too stiff for developing foot)
- Very narrow feet (run on wider side)
- ✔ Firm heel counter (Sever’s-friendly)
- ✔ Wide-width options available
- ✔ Hook-and-loop consistency
- ✔ Durable EVA midsole
- ✖ Higher price ($60+ typical)
- ✖ Too structured for pre-schoolers under 4
Pediped Flex Dani Casual Shoe (Toddler/Little Kid)
Ultra-flexible leather shoe with American Podiatric Medical Association Seal
Pediped Flex carries the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Approval, which isn’t trivial — it’s awarded only to shoes that promote healthy foot development with documented flexibility, toe-box width, and heel-counter stability data. The Flex line sits in the middle ground: more support than soft-sole “barefoot” shoes, more flexibility than structured sneakers. Leather upper breathes better than synthetic kids’ shoes, and the wide toe box respects actual toddler-foot anatomy (splayed toes at ground contact). Machine wash in mesh bag, air dry. These are my “nice shoe” recommendation for preschoolers — daycare drop-off, playdates, errands with mom.
- Toddlers transitioning from barefoot
- Kids with wide feet
- Indoor/outdoor mixed wear
- Active sports use (too flexible)
- Wet weather (leather not waterproof)
- ✔ APMA Seal of Approval
- ✔ Breathable leather upper
- ✔ Wide toe box fits toddler anatomy
- ✔ Genuine midground between barefoot and structured
- ✖ Not for active sports
- ✖ Leather not waterproof
Products Not Enough? See Michigan's Top Foot Doctors.
Same-week appointments in Howell and Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. 3,000+ surgeries performed. Patient-first practice — we listen.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Quick reference across all picks. Click any product name to jump to its full review above.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I worry about toe walking?
Occasional toe walking before age 2 is normal. Persistent toe walking past age 3 is not. Red flags: can't bring the heel to the floor (rigid), asymmetric toe walking, regression after previously walking flat-footed, or associated developmental delay. Causes include idiopathic habit, tight Achilles tendon, cerebral palsy (mild), or autism spectrum. Refer to pediatric podiatry or pediatric neurology for evaluation.
Does my flat-footed kid need orthotics?
Flexible pediatric flatfoot in a painless child under age 8 does NOT need orthotics, “corrective shoes,” or treatment. The arch develops naturally by age 7-8 in most kids. Supportive shoes (not stiff, not overly-cushioned — just a firm heel counter) are sufficient. Orthotics are indicated only for painful flatfoot, rigid flatfoot, or associated conditions (tarsal coalition).
What’s Sever’s disease?
Calcaneal apophysitis — irritation of the growing heel bone in active kids ages 8-14. Peak incidence in boys playing soccer, basketball, running sports. Classic: heel pain with activity, better with rest. Resolves permanently when the growth plate fuses (around age 14-16). Treatment: activity modification, heel cups, calf stretching, ice post-activity. Self-limiting — no long-term damage if managed properly.
When should kids first see a podiatrist?
If there's a concern (pain, limping, deformity, family history of foot problems) — as early as needed. Routine screening: by age 3-5 if parents notice anything abnormal; otherwise usually around age 10-12 with the start of competitive sports. Adolescent bunions and tarsal coalitions often present in the early teen years and benefit from early intervention.
Sources & References
Related Guides
Pediatric Foot Care & Children's Podiatrist
Related podiatrist-written guide from Balance Foot & Ankle.
Sever's Disease: Children's Heel Pain
Related podiatrist-written guide from Balance Foot & Ankle.
Back to School Foot Health Checklist
Related podiatrist-written guide from Balance Foot & Ankle.
Most childhood foot findings are developmental and resolve on their own. Toe walking after 3, rigid flat feet, unilateral pain, or night pain — these need evaluation. Supportive shoes over orthotics for most painless kids. Don't treat normal developmental variation.
Products Not Enough? See Michigan's Top Foot Doctors.
Same-week appointments in Howell and Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. 3,000+ surgeries performed. Patient-first practice — we listen.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Michigan's Most-Trusted Podiatry Group
4.9★ · 1,123+ patient reviews · 3,000+ surgeries · 950K+ YouTube subscribers
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Shop Doctor Hoy’s →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
What does treatment cost?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Children’s Foot Problems
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes so far. The fastest path is a 30-minute office visit. Same-day Howell or Bloomfield Township. Book online or call (810) 206-1402.
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan offices.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
Seen at both offices — Howell and Bloomfield Township.
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
At what age should I take my child to a podiatrist?
Any age if there's pain, limping, or refusal to walk. For developmental concerns like flat feet, intoeing, or toe walking, evaluation is most useful after age 3. For sports-active children, a baseline evaluation at ages 8-10 can identify risk factors before injuries occur. Balance Foot & Ankle sees children of all ages.
Will my child grow out of flat feet?
Most children with flexible flat feet develop normal arches by age 6-8 without treatment. Flat feet persisting after age 6 with pain or fatigue should be evaluated. Rigid flat feet need evaluation at any age because they may indicate tarsal coalition. Custom orthotics during ages 6-12 can guide arch development when needed.
How do I know if my child's foot pain is Sever's disease?
Sever's disease typically affects ages 8-14, occurs in both heels, worsens during running/jumping sports, and improves with rest. The squeeze test reproduces pain. If pain is in one heel only, point-specific, or associated with swelling, a stress fracture should be ruled out with imaging. Call (810) 206-1402 for evaluation.
Does insurance cover pediatric podiatry?
Most insurance plans cover pediatric podiatric care when medically indicated, including flat feet, heel pain, ingrown toenails, fractures, and sports injuries. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and most Michigan insurers. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify coverage.
Should my child wear orthotics?
Only if diagnosed with a specific condition requiring arch support — symptomatic flat feet, Sever's disease, or post-injury rehabilitation. Orthotics are NOT recommended for normal flexible flat feet in children under 6. Over-the-counter PowerStep insoles work for mild conditions; custom orthotics are reserved for moderate to severe cases.
At what age should flat feet be evaluated?
Flat feet are normal in toddlers. If flat feet persist past age 5 or cause pain, limping, or activity avoidance, schedule an evaluation. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can determine if supportive shoes, orthotics, or monitoring is appropriate.
What causes heel pain in children?
The most common cause is Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis), an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. It typically affects active children ages 8-14. Treatment includes stretching, proper shoes, activity modification, and sometimes custom orthotics.
Should I take my child to a podiatrist for ingrown toenails?
Yes. Home treatment of ingrown toenails in children often leads to infection. Our podiatrists offer gentle, effective treatment that resolves the problem quickly. We see pediatric patients at both our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.
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.