Pediatric Foot Care — Specialized Care for Growing Feet
The fast answer: Children’s feet are not miniature adult feet — they have unique conditions, growth considerations, and treatment needs. Dr. Tom Biernacki and the Balance Foot & Ankle team treat children from age 4 through teen years for flat feet, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, plantar warts, sports injuries. Friendly, patient, kid-focused care.
Common Pediatric Foot Conditions
Flat feet: Arch develops 3-10. Most flexible flat feet are normal. Sever’s disease: #1 cause of heel pain in active kids 8-14. Ingrown toenails: Common in athletes, same procedure as adults. Plantar warts: Cryotherapy, salicylic acid, laser. Sports injuries: Sprains, fractures, growth plate injuries.
When to Bring Your Child
Bring if: regular foot pain, limping, avoiding activity, visible deformity, one-sided shoe wear, growing pains in foot/ankle, toe walking past age 5, persistent in/out-toeing past age 6, plantar warts not responding, ingrown toenails (especially infected), athlete’s foot, sports injury.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit
Kid-friendly office, age-appropriate explanations, parent stays in room, pediatric-trained staff. We don’t rush, use stickers/positive reinforcement, on-site imaging. Coordinate with pediatricians, orthopedists, PT.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should kids see a podiatrist?
Any age if symptoms warrant. Routine evaluation for flat feet/in-toeing concerns: ages 5-7.
Will my child grow out of flat feet?
Probably yes if flexible. Children with painful or rigid flat feet may need treatment.
My child has heel pain — should I worry?
Sever’s disease is #1 cause in active kids 8-14. Usually responds to simple measures.
Are pediatric foot procedures painful?
Most are not. Ingrown toenails managed with proper numbing technique.
Do you accept pediatric insurance?
Yes — BCBS, BCN, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, United, Medicaid, CHIP.
Book Your Appointment
📞 Call (810) 206-1402 — Book Online 24/7 Available
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Looking for a pediatric podiatrist near you? Balance Foot & Ankle provides gentle children’s foot and ankle care — flatfoot, in-toeing, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and warts — at our Bloomfield Township office (Oakland County) and Howell office (Livingston County). Dr. Daria Gutkin is an especially good fit for anxious young patients. Book online or call (810) 206-1402.