Pediatric Podiatry

Advanced Tools and Treatments for Children's Foot Problems

Watching your child grow is exciting, but it can also raise questions when something doesn’t seem quite right. Perhaps your child trips frequently, complains about foot pain after sports, walks on their toes, or seems reluctant to participate in physical activities. While some childhood foot issues resolve naturally with age, others benefit from early intervention to ensure proper development and prevent future problems.

Children's feet are complex. Each foot contains numerous bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that must work together as a child grows. Even minor abnormalities can affect balance, posture, coordination, and overall mobility. Because children often have difficulty describing pain or discomfort, parents may be the first to notice subtle signs that something is wrong.

Our pediatric podiatrist, Dr. Sarah Stewart, is trained to evaluate the unique needs of growing feet. We combine advanced diagnostic tools with a child-friendly approach that helps young patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their visit. From infancy through adolescence, we work closely with families to identify concerns early, provide effective treatment, and help children stay active, healthy, and confident every step of the way. 

If you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all solution to your child’s foot problem, you won’t find it at Grandville Foot and Ankle. Instead, you’ll find tools and treatments that most podiatry offices in West Michigan don’t offer, such as minimally invasive bunion correction without hardware and same day walking; Class IV laser therapy and shockwave therapy for heel pain; microwave therapy and other treatment options for warts; and painless ingrown toenail correction with Onyfix. You’ll also get patient interaction from someone who really listens.

Understanding Pediatric Foot Problems 

Many childhood foot conditions are easier to treat when identified early. Prompt evaluation can often prevent small issues from developing into larger problems that affect mobility, athletic performance, or long-term foot health. Whether your child enjoys soccer, dance, gymnastics, basketball, or simply playing outside, healthy feet are essential for participation. We help children recover from injuries, manage pain, and safely return to the activities they love.

No two children develop exactly the same way. Our treatment recommendations are tailored to your child's age, activity level, symptoms, and developmental needs to promote optimal growth and function.

Common Pediatric Foot Problems We Treat at Grandville Foot and Ankle

Many foot and ankle concerns can affect children at different stages of development. While some are congenital and present at birth, others develop over time as children become more active. Here are some common foot problems we see and treat:

Flat Feet

Flexible flat feet are common in young children and often improve naturally as the arches develop. However, persistent flat feet that cause pain, fatigue, or walking difficulties may require evaluation and treatment.

Toe Walking

Some children continue walking on their toes beyond the toddler years. While this may be harmless in some cases, persistent toe walking can sometimes indicate muscular, neurological, or developmental concerns that warrant professional assessment.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can cause redness, swelling, pain, and infection. Children who participate in sports or wear shoes that don’t fit properly may be particularly susceptible.

Sever's Disease

One of the most common causes of heel pain in active children, Sever's disease occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated during periods of rapid growth.

Plantar Warts

These viral skin growths often develop on the soles of children's feet and may cause discomfort while walking or running.

In-Toeing and Out-Toeing

Some children walk with their feet turned inward or outward. While many cases improve naturally, significant gait abnormalities may benefit from evaluation.

Sports Injuries

Active children and adolescents, especially those who participate in sports, can experience sprains, fractures, tendon injuries, stress fractures, and overuse conditions that affect foot and ankle function.

Bunions and Structural Concerns

Although often associated with adults, bunions and other structural abnormalities can develop during childhood and adolescence, particularly when there is a family history of foot deformities.

Pediatric Heel Pain

Heel pain is never considered a normal part of childhood. Whether caused by growth-related conditions, sports injuries, or biomechanical abnormalities, persistent heel discomfort deserves professional attention.

Signs Your Child May Have a Foot Problem

Children do not always tell parents when something hurts. In many cases, they simply adapt their behavior to avoid discomfort. Consider scheduling an evaluation if you notice any of the following:

• Frequent tripping or falling
• Difficulty keeping up with peers during physical activity
• Complaints of foot, heel, ankle, or leg pain
• Walking on tiptoes beyond age three
• Limping or favoring one foot
• Uneven shoe wear patterns
• Refusal to participate in sports or active play
• Redness, swelling, or visible deformities
• Feet that turn excessively inward or outward while walking
• Persistent heel pain after activity
• Recurring ingrown toenails or skin problems
• Fatigue after short periods of walking

These signs may indicate an underlying issue that could benefit from professional evaluation and treatment.

Why Pediatric Foot Care Is Important

Children's feet undergo a lot of change throughout development. Early childhood represents a critical period when bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues are forming and adapting. Problems that go untreated during these years may contribute to difficulties later in life. Early diagnosis and treatment can help with the following:

• Support proper foot development
• Improve balance and coordination
• Reduce pain and discomfort
• Prevent future complications
• Enhance athletic performance
• Promote healthy walking patterns
• Improve posture and alignment
• Increase confidence and participation in activities

When foot problems are identified and addressed early, children often experience better outcomes and avoid years of unnecessary discomfort.

How a Pediatric Podiatrist Can Help Your Child

Pediatric podiatrists have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood foot and ankle conditions. Our goal at Grandville Foot and Ankle is not simply to treat symptoms but to understand the underlying cause of your child's concerns and develop a solution that supports healthy growth.

During an evaluation, we begin with a thorough review of your child's symptoms, medical history, developmental milestones, and activity level. We observe walking patterns, assess alignment, examine joint mobility, and evaluate muscle strength and flexibility.

Depending on your child's needs, diagnostic tools may include the following:

• Comprehensive physical examinations
• Gait analysis
• Foot structure assessments
• Digital imaging and X-rays
• Sports injury evaluations
• Biomechanical testing

Once we identify the source of the problem, we develop a customized treatment plan that may include:

• Activity modifications
• Exercises for stretching and strengthening
• Physical therapy recommendations
• Supportive footwear guidance
• Custom orthotics
• Sports injury rehabilitation
• Treatment for skin and nail conditions
• Advanced therapies for chronic conditions

Our focus is always on choosing the most effective and least invasive treatment option appropriate for your child's age and condition.

Give Your Child the Best Start on Healthy Feet

If your child is experiencing foot pain, walking difficulties, sports injuries, or developmental concerns, early evaluation can make a lasting difference. Our pediatric podiatry team is committed to helping children move comfortably, confidently, and pain-free. Schedule your child's appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Podiatry

We know that when you see an issue with your child’s balance, gait, and/or their ability to walk, run, or participate in sports, you have questions about what to do. Dr. Stewart at Grandville Foot and Ankle has the answers you need. Here are some of the most common questions our patients ask and the information you need to make educated decisions about your child’s foot health:

At what age should my child first see a podiatrist?

Children can benefit from a podiatric evaluation at any age if concerns arise. Many parents seek care when they notice walking abnormalities, foot pain, developmental concerns, or recurring nail and skin problems.

Are flat feet normal in children?

Yes. Many young children naturally have flat feet because their arches have not fully developed. However, flat feet that cause pain, fatigue, or difficulty with activity should be evaluated.

Is toe walking always a problem?

Not necessarily. Many toddlers briefly walk on their toes during development. Persistent toe walking beyond age three should be assessed to rule out underlying concerns.

Why does my child complain of heel pain?

Heel pain in children is often associated with growth-related conditions such as Sever's disease, particularly in active children. However, other causes are possible and should be evaluated by a podiatrist.

Can custom orthotics help my child?

In some cases, custom orthotics can improve alignment, reduce pain, support proper biomechanics, and enhance comfort during activities.

How can I tell if my child's shoes fit properly?

Shoes should provide adequate room for growth, proper arch support, and a secure fit without causing rubbing or pressure points. Our team can help evaluate footwear and recommend appropriate options.

Should sports injuries in children be treated differently from adult injuries?

Yes. Children's bones, growth plates, and soft tissues are still developing. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to protect future growth and function.

When should I be concerned about my child's foot pain?

Any foot pain that persists, worsens, affects daily activities, causes limping, or prevents participation in sports should be professionally evaluated.