Warts on the feet, or plantar warts, aren’t usually of grave medical concern. However, warts can be unsightly and uncomfortable. The podiatry team at Metroplex Foot and Ankle, LLP, with offices in Richardson, Garland, and Dallas, Texas, provides the latest, most effective treatments to make warts disappear for good. Call the nearest office or use the online tool to book an appointment today.
Request an AppointmentWhat are plantar warts?
Plantar warts develop on the bottoms of your feet, usually on weight-bearing areas like your heels or near the toes. These rough, bumpy growths can develop under a callus, too.
Warts develop when a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) penetrates the skin on the soles of your feet, usually through small cuts or splits in the skin. Of the more than 100 types of HPV, only a few lead to plantar warts.
What are the signs and symptoms of plantar warts?
Plantar warts usually show up as a fleshy, rough growth on the sole of your foot. Several plantar warts can develop to form a larger appearing growth. Warts usually cross the normal ridges and lines in the skin.
You might notice a “seed” or black spot in these warts. These are small, clotted blood vessels.
Plantar warts don’t always cause symptoms but can be mildly to extremely painful when you walk or put pressure on your foot.
Plantar warts sometimes grow inward, appearing as a callus with a well-defined spot in the middle.
How can I avoid developing plantar warts?
Not everyone who comes into contact with the HPV virus develops warts. If you’re susceptible, avoid going barefoot in locations like locker rooms, public showers, and pool decks. The virus thrives in damp, warm places.
How do you treat plantar warts?
Plantar warts usually go away on their own, but it can take some time. If you’re bothered by pain from plantar warts or their appearance, over-the-counter wart medications that contain salicylic acid may help. Never trim or pick at a wart.
If your wart doesn’t respond to at-home measures, the team at Metroplex Foot and Ankle, LLP can help.
Your podiatrist evaluates your wart and recommends the best approach to treatment. Treatment for your wart may include:
- Prescription medication
- Laser therapy
- Cryotherapy (freezing) the wart
- Minor surgery to excise the wart
Plantar warts may require a few treatments before they’re eradicated for good.
If you’re bothered by plantar warts, contact Metroplex Foot and Ankle, LLP today. Call the nearest location or use the online tool to schedule an appointment.