Plantar warts are small skin growths that form on the bottom of the foot. They are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, often called HPV. This virus can enter through tiny cracks or weak spots in the skin. Because plantar warts grow on areas that carry body weight, pressure can push them inward and make them painful. They may appear as rough, thickened spots on the sole of the foot. Some have tiny dark dots, which are small clotted blood vessels. Plantar warts can be mistaken for corns or calluses because they may look similar. A professional evaluation is important when a painful spot develops or does not improve.
A podiatrist can examine the growth and determine whether it is a plantar wart or another foot condition. This helps ensure the right type of care is recommended. During the visit, the podiatrist may check the size, location, and appearance of the wart. Treatment depends on the patient’s symptoms and how deep the wart has grown into the skin. Professional plantar wart treatment may include removing thickened skin, applying medical treatments, or using other in-office methods to target the wart. Some plantar warts take more than one visit to treat, especially if they are painful or have been present for a long time.
Prompt podiatry care can help reduce pain and protect healthy skin around the wart. Early treatment may also help prevent the wart from spreading or becoming harder to treat. A podiatrist can monitor healing and adjust treatment when needed, which supports better comfort while walking or standing. Professional foot wart treatment is especially helpful when pain affects daily movement or when the growth is hard to identify. If you have a painful growth on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
