★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan
Pediatric Flat Foot
Board-certified podiatrists in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. 4.9★ rated · Same-week appointments · Most insurance accepted · (810) 206-1402.
Expert Pediatric Foot Care
— Healthy Feet for Growing Kids
Gentle, specialized care for flat feet, heel pain, walking problems, and foot
injuries in children of all ages.
Same-Day & Next-Day Visits Available
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Why Children Develop Foot Problems — And Why Early Care Matters
Foot issues in children are very common and often overlooked. Without proper evaluation, these problems may cause pain, poor posture, or long-term alignment issues. Early diagnosis ensures your child walks, runs, and plays comfortably.
Common Causes of Pediatric Foot Problems:
- Flat feet or low arches
- Growth plate irritation (Sever’s disease/heel pain)
- In-toeing or out-toeing
- Warts, ingrown toenails, infections
- Balance or gait issues
- Tight muscles (common in rapidly growing children)
- Sports injuries
- Abnormal walking patterns
Children’s bones, joints, and tendons are still developing, making them more prone to foot and ankle issues. Many problems improve as kids grow—but some require treatment to prevent long-term pain, poor alignment, or difficulty walking.
Symptoms Checklist
Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar in Your Child?
Complains of foot or heel pain
Limping or avoiding sports
Wears out shoes unevenly
Trips or falls more than peers
Walks on tiptoes
In-toeing or out-toeing
Difficulty keeping up with friends
Flat feet or collapsing arches
Redness, swelling, or visible deformity
Frequent ankle rolling
If you noticed any of these signs—an evaluation can prevent future problems.
Why Parents Trust Balance Foot & Ankle for
Pediatric Foot Care
- Gentle, child-friendly approach
- Harvard-trained foot & ankle surgeon (Dr. Tom Biernacki)
- Accurate diagnosis using ultrasound & X-ray when needed
- Customized treatment plans for growing children
- Non-invasive, conservative care first
- Modern, welcoming offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
- Most insurances accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare (for qualifying cases)
Treatment Options Available
Pediatric Orthotics (Kid-Friendly Inserts)
Supports developing arches, improves alignment, and reduces foot fatigue.
Heel Pain Treatment (Sever’s Disease)
Gentle stretching, bracing, and shock-absorbing shoes reduce inflammation and pain.
Toe-Walking Correction
We identify the cause and provide stretching plans, orthotics, or therapy.
Gait & Walking Evaluation
We assess posture, balance, and alignment to correct walking patterns early.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Gentle trimming or minor procedures provide quick relief and prevent infection.
Wart & Skin Condition Care
Safe, child-friendly wart removal and skin treatments.
Flat Feet Treatment
Supportive custom orthotics, strengthening, and shoe guidance as needed.
Sports Injury Care
Treatment for sprains, fractures, and tendon pain to ensure safe return to play.
Bracing & Supports
Light, comfortable braces help treat instability, sprains, or alignment concerns.
Before & After Outcomes
Real Patient Improvements
BEFORE
Child limping during sports with worsening heel pain.
AFTER
Growth-plate–focused treatment restored comfort and full activity.
BEFORE
Toddler walking with feet turned inward and frequent falls.
AFTER
Gait evaluation and orthotics improved stability and alignment.
BEFORE
Teen with chronic flat feet and daily fatigue.
AFTER
Custom orthotics and stretching program reduced pain and improved performance.
Children With Foot or Ankle Pain
- Toddlers learning to walk with balance issues
- Kids who walk differently than peers
- Athletes with repeated injuries
- Parents noticing gait abnormalities
- Workers on their feet all day
- Teens with flat feet or heel pain
- Children with recurring ingrown nails or warts
5-Star Reviews from Satisfied Patients
Trusted by Michigan Families — Gentle, Effective Pediatric Foot Care
“My child had heel pain for months. After one visit, we had a clear plan and she’s back to sports again.”
“We were worried about our son’s flat feet. The orthotics and exercises made a huge difference.”
“They were so patient with my 5-year-old. The treatment was quick, gentle, and effective.”
“Best place for kids’ foot problems. They explained everything clearly and treated us like family.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are foot problems normal in children?
Many issues are common, but some require treatment to prevent long-term problems.
Yes, for qualifying cases. Please contact our office for details.
If they have flat feet, pain, or gait issues, orthotics can be extremely helpful.
Is treatment safe for toddlers and young children?
Absolutely. We use gentle, child-friendly approaches tailored to their age.
How do I know if my child needs treatment?
Pain, limping, frequent falls, or unusual walking patterns are signs to get evaluated.
In most cases, yes—with proper treatment and injury prevention guidance.
Get Relief, Improve Balance, Stay Mobile — Starting Today
Board-Certified
Medicare Accepted
Senior-Friendly Care
10,000+ Michigan Patients Helped
Ready to Help Your Child Walk, Run,
and Play Pain-Free?
Expert pediatric foot care for kids of all ages—gentle, effective, and parent approved.
🧦 Dr. Tom’s Pick: DASS Medical Compression Socks
Medical-grade 15-20 mmHg graduated compression. DASS socks are the brand I recommend most to patients with swollen feet, poor circulation, and post-surgery recovery. Graduated compression means tightest at the ankle, gradually releasing up the leg — promoting upward venous blood flow.
Call us today: (810) 206-1402
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Board-certified care at both Michigan locations
Book your visit today
Most insurance accepted · On-site X-ray · Board-certified podiatrists
Pediatric Flat Feet — Michigan Children’s Podiatrist
Dr. Biernacki explains when childhood flat feet are normal vs. pathological, and how early intervention with custom orthotics prevents knee, hip, and back problems in growing children.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I bring my child in for flat feet?
Most toddlers have flat feet — the arch develops between ages 3–6. Concern is warranted if: the child complains of foot, leg, or knee pain; avoids physical activity; tires easily; or the flat foot persists past age 6 without arch development. Early evaluation prevents secondary problems.
Do children need custom orthotics for flat feet?
Only if flat feet are causing symptoms. Asymptomatic flat feet in children under 6 typically don’t require treatment. For children with pain, gait problems, or rigid flat feet, custom pediatric orthotics significantly improve function and comfort and may reduce long-term joint problems.
Will my child grow out of flat feet?
Flexible flat feet often improve naturally by age 6–8 as ligaments strengthen. Rigid flat feet (those that don’t form an arch when standing on tiptoe) require evaluation and often treatment. Children with a family history of flat feet, hypermobility, or neurological conditions are less likely to fully develop their arches.
Podiatrist-Recommended Products for Pediatric Flat Feet
- PowerStep Pinnacle — most-recommended OTC arch support for children developing proper foot mechanics
- Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — gentle topical relief for arch and ankle soreness in active children with flexible flat feet
- DASS Medical Compression Socks — pediatric-friendly graduated compression for children with flat feet and associated leg fatigue
These are the same products Dr. Biernacki recommends in clinic. Available through our partner Foundation Wellness.