Children’s foot care

Foot care for children and teenagers on the Upper West Side.

Most children’s foot worries turn out to be normal development. Some are not, and a check-up gives you a clear answer. Dr. Rottenberg treats children and teenagers for flat feet, heel pain in active kids, ingrown toenails, plantar warts and sports injuries.

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Board-certified foot surgeon · FACFAS · Mount Sinai faculty · English, French, Hebrew & Spanish

Children and teenagersGentle, clear explanations

Information from the practice of Fabienne Rottenberg, DPM, board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and Clinical Instructor in Orthopedics at Mount Sinai. Updated November 5, 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis.

Book a visit if…

Your child has flat feet and complains of pain or tires quickly
Heel pain in an active child, especially during sports seasons
An ingrown toenail or plantar wart
Your child walks on their toes or trips often

Call the office first if…

An injury and your child will not put weight on the foot
Redness, swelling or drainage around a toenail
A limp that is not getting better
Foot pain with fever

Common in children

What we see most often.

Flat feet are normal in young children and usually do not need treatment unless they cause pain or tiredness. Heel pain in active 8 to 14 year olds is often growth-plate irritation at the back of the heel, which settles with the right care. Ingrown toenails and plantar warts are common at every age.

Bring the shoes and cleats your child wears most
Tell us which sports and how often
Children are seen with a parent or guardian

Your options

Children’s foot care services

Treatment is chosen with your child’s age, comfort and activities in mind.

Flat feet

An exam to tell normal development from flat feet that need support.

Heel pain in active kids

Rest from impact, heel cups, stretching and a return-to-sport plan.

Ingrown toenails

Gentle, numbed treatment and advice to stop them coming back.

Plantar warts

A treatment that suits your child’s age and comfort, including SWIFT for older children.

Sports injuries

Sprains, fractures and overuse injuries.

Orthotics for children

When support will help, inserts that fit their shoes and activities.

Who treats you

Dr. Fabienne Rottenberg, DPM, FACFAS

Board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
Explains things clearly to children and parents
Treats the whole family in one office
English, French, Hebrew and Spanish

Telehealth available: some questions and follow-ups can be handled by video. Ask when you call.

Training, credentials and hospital affiliations

285 West End Ave at 73rd St · Mon–Thu, 9–5

Book a check-up for your child’s feet.

Get a clear answer on whether it is normal development or something to treat.

Call (212) 724-4457 Book on Zocdoc

Questions patients ask

Children’s Foot Care: common questions.

Your own answer depends on an in-person exam. Call the office if your question is not here.

Call (212) 724-4457

Should I worry about my child’s flat feet?

Usually not. Most young children have flat-looking feet. See a podiatrist if the flat feet are painful, stiff, only on one side, or if your child tires quickly or avoids activity.

Why does my child’s heel hurt during sports?

In children about 8 to 14, heel pain during sports is often irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel. It usually settles with less impact, heel cushioning and stretching.

Can children have SWIFT wart treatment?

Older children often can. Younger children may do better with a gentler option. Dr. Rottenberg will recommend what suits your child.

Do children need custom orthotics?

Only some do. Many children need nothing, or a simple insert. Custom orthotics are used when there is pain or a clear problem they will help.

Sources

Book a check-up for your child’s feet.

Call (212) 724-4457 Contact the practice

Foot care for children and teenagers on the Upper West Side.

Book a visit if…

Call the office first if…

What we see most often.

Children’s foot care services

Flat feet

Heel pain in active kids

Ingrown toenails

Plantar warts

Sports injuries

Orthotics for children

Dr. Fabienne Rottenberg, DPM, FACFAS

Book a check-up for your child’s feet.

Children’s Foot Care: common questions.

Other problems Dr. Rottenberg treats

Ingrown Toenails

Plantar Warts & SWIFT

Ankle Sprains & Foot Fractures

Articles on children’s foot care

Further reading from medical organizations

Book a check-up for your child’s feet.