For pediatric podiatry in Michigan, common conditions include flat feet, in-toeing/out-toeing, Sever’s disease, and ingrown toenails. Most respond to early intervention without surgery.
You’ve come to the right podiatry team. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what pediatric podiatry in Michigan means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
The most important clinical decision with Pediatric Podiatry Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
Pediatric Podiatry in Michigan Children’s Foot Care & relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
Most foot and ankle problems respond to conservative care — proper footwear, supportive inserts, activity modification, and targeted stretching — within 4-8 weeks. Persistent pain beyond that window, or any symptom that prevents walking, warrants a podiatric evaluation to rule out fracture, tendon tear, or systemic cause.
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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See Dr. Tom’s Top Shoe Picks →Children’s feet are not simply smaller versions of adult feet — they are developing structures undergoing significant changes throughout childhood and adolescence, with unique conditions, growth-related problems, and developmental milestones that require a different diagnostic and treatment approach than adult foot care. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Southeast Michigan, Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive pediatric podiatric care for infants through adolescents, with a focus on conservative management, appropriate monitoring of developmental variation, and precise identification of conditions that require intervention.
Common Pediatric Foot Conditions
Flat feet (pediatric flexible flatfoot) is the most common reason parents bring children to a podiatrist. Nearly all children are flat-footed at birth; the arch develops through age 5–8 in most children. Flexible flatfoot (where an arch appears when the child stands on tiptoe) is a normal developmental variant in the majority of children and does not require treatment unless it causes pain, fatigue, or functional limitation. Rigid flatfoot (tarsal coalition — a congenital fusion between foot bones) is less common but requires evaluation and sometimes surgical management. Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) — inflammation of the heel growth plate — is the most common cause of heel pain in active children aged 8–14, peaking during growth spurts. It resolves completely when growth is complete and is managed with heel lifts, stretching, activity modification, and occasionally orthotics. In-toeing and out-toeing are common gait concerns brought to pediatric foot specialists — most in-toeing (from metatarsus adductus, internal tibial torsion, or femoral anteversion) resolves with growth without intervention; true structural in-toeing that persists beyond age 8 or causes significant gait abnormality may warrant evaluation for underlying cause. Juvenile bunions (adolescent hallux valgus) present most commonly in girls age 10–15 with a family history of bunions; they tend to be progressive and require careful monitoring, with surgery typically deferred until skeletal maturity.
When to See a Pediatric Podiatrist
Seek pediatric podiatric evaluation when: your child complains of foot or heel pain that limits activity; your child walks on tiptoe persistently (toe-walking) — may indicate Achilles contracture, autism spectrum disorder, or cerebral palsy; your child has one foot or leg noticeably different from the other; flat feet are rigid (no arch when standing on tiptoe); a child over age 2 has a severely pronated or rotated gait that is worsening rather than improving; plantar warts are enlarging or spreading and not responding to home treatment; ingrown toenails are recurring or infected; or a child has diabetes and any foot concern (treated with the same urgency as adults).
More Podiatrist-Recommended Pediatric Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insole
- The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
- When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
- The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
- The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in several shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
- Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible
The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
- The Original Recovery Footwear.
- Finding Your Size – For your perfect fit, consult the “size chart” link above. Wear a half size? In general, we recommend that women who wear a ½ size size UP, and men who wear a ½ size size DOWN
- OOahh – An evolution of the OOriginal, the OOahh slide features our proven foundation of OOfoam technology + patented footbed design with a slide-style strap that has become a best-seller in the OOFOS line
- OOfoam Technology – Our revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foams to reduce the stress on your feet, joints & back. Plus, the closed-cell foam is machine washable and designed to minimize odor
- Patented Footbed – Our patented footbed cradles and supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear. So walking is easier. Recovery is faster. And yOO feel better
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
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.
Watch: Pediatric Heel Pain in Children **The Cause Will Shock You!** — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube
When to See a Podiatrist
Children’s foot pain is never normal — flat feet, in-toeing, heel pain (Sever’s disease), and curly toes all have effective non-surgical treatments when caught early. Balance Foot & Ankle evaluates pediatric patients with gentle, age-appropriate exams and parent-friendly treatment plans. Most pediatric issues resolve with the right inserts and guided activity modification.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children with flat feet need orthotics?
Most children with flexible flat feet do not need orthotics. Research has not demonstrated that orthotics in asymptomatic flatfooted children accelerate arch development or improve long-term outcomes compared to no treatment. Orthotics are indicated for children with flatfoot who experience pain, leg fatigue, tripping or activity limitation, or who have a rigid flatfoot. Children with flatfoot and a strong family history of adult flatfoot-related problems (PTTD, arthritis) may benefit from early orthotic use to reduce mechanical stress on developing structures, though the evidence is limited.
What is Sever’s disease and how is it treated?
Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is inflammation of the heel growth plate where the Achilles tendon attaches to the calcaneus — the most common cause of heel pain in active children aged 8–14, often triggered by growth spurts. Treatment includes: heel lifts (12–15mm silicone or foam) in both shoes to reduce Achilles tension; calf and Achilles stretching twice daily; activity modification (reducing running and jumping during flares); ice after activity; and NSAIDs for pain if needed. It completely resolves when growth plate closes at skeletal maturity — no long-term consequences. Casting or boot immobilization is reserved for severe cases not responding to the above.
Is pediatric podiatry covered by insurance?
Yes. Pediatric podiatric care for medical conditions (heel pain, flatfoot with symptoms, ingrown toenails, plantar warts, foot deformity evaluation) is covered by most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, Aetna, and Medicaid/Healthy Michigan. Custom orthotics for pediatric patients with symptomatic flatfoot or documented structural conditions may require prior authorization. Call our office to verify your child’s coverage before scheduling.
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Children deserve the same quality of foot care as adults. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle to schedule your child’s foot evaluation with Dr. Biernacki in Southeast Michigan.
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Dr. Biernacki and our team at Balance Foot & Ankle are accepting new patients in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI. Most insurances accepted.
Book My Appointment →or call (810) 206-1402
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
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 Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMost Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Waiting too long before seeking care. Fix: any foot pain lasting more than 4 weeks, or any sudden severe symptom, deserves a professional evaluation rather than more rest.
Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
Seek immediate evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you experience any of the following:
- Unable to bear weight
- Severe swelling with skin colour change
- Fever with foot pain (possible infection)
- Diabetes plus any new foot symptom
Call (810) 206-1402 — same-day and next-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Pediatric Foot Care in Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.
Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
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About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Get Expert Help at Balance Foot & Ankle
If this condition is affecting your daily activities or hasn’t improved with home treatment, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Tom Biernacki. We offer same-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations and accept most insurance including Medicare. Most patients are walking comfortably within 4-6 weeks of starting our protocol — conservative care first, surgery only when needed.
Call (248) 337-5500 or request an appointment online. Our team responds within 1 business hour during clinic days.
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.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot pain, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
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 →Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offices.
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Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI.
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.