A plantar wart occurs on the sole of the foot. It can look and feel like a callus. Plantar warts can be small, or they can grow to cover most of the soles of the foot. They are usually painless and go away on their own, sometimes taking a few months to resolve (but can take up to two years in some cases). The trouble is, these growths can become uncomfortable and painful if you don’t get them treated properly. If you struggle with this issue and would like treatment, our podiatrists at Beyond Podiatry can provide effective treatment options to help you feel better.
What Causes Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are usually acquired from person-to-person contact. The virus is not highly contagious but can cause an infection by entering through a small break in the skin. In the same way, warts can be spread to other places on your own body. The virus is rarely transferred by touching an object used by an infected person. Foot warts develop when the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters your skin through weak spots or cuts. The virus thrives in areas that are warm, dark, and moist, which is why you can contract this infection by walking barefoot on a pool deck or in a gym locker room.
Signs of Plantar Warts
Plantar warts appear as small, fleshy, rough lesions on the bottom of your foot, particularly in weight-bearing areas, such as your forefoot. These tiny growths often have a black pinpoint in the middle, which is a small, clotted vessel inside. As foot warts progress and as you continue walking on them, they can start growing inward. You may notice a callus form over the wart when this occurs. It’s also common to experience pain or tenderness with foot warts. All of these signs and symptoms warrant a trip to your podiatrist at Beyond Podiatry.
How Are Plantar Warts Treated?
Your plantar wart treatment at Beyond Podiatry is based on your needs, the severity of your wart outbreak, and your overall health. Your podiatrist may also suggest specialized pads to cover your warts, so they don’t cause discomfort while you’re walking or standing. Your foot wart treatment plan may include:
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen.
- Pulsed-dye laser treatments.
- Electrodesiccation and curettage surgery.
- Prescription-strength topical salicylic acid.
Plantar Warts Treatment in Michigan, Illinois, & Kentucky
The team at Beyond Podiatry is dedicated to finding the best possible plantar wart treatment for your specific needs. Get relief from plantar warts by booking an evaluation at one of our Michigan or Illinois locations. Schedule online or over the phone. We look forward to meeting you!