Plantar Warts Can Be Very Painful

Warts grow up into little lumps on your skin, right? Well, not if they are plantar warts that grow on the sole of your foot.

Plantar warts are actually caused by the same virus that makes warts in other areas of your body, the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters your body through tiny cuts or other breaks in the skin. However, plantar warts grow up into your foot instead of outward because of the pressure on the bottom of your foot. 

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

In addition to pain or tenderness when standing or walking, you may notice:

·         A small, rough and grainy growth usually on the heel or forefoot.

·         A callus appearing as thickened skin over the spot where the wart is growing inward.

·         Tiny black pinpoints that are actually clotted blood vessels.

Often a plantar wart will go away by itself. But it’s important to come and see us if you notice that the lesion is bleeding or changes its appearance; if the pain is interfering with your normal activities; if you have a weakened immune system; if the wart persists or recurs despite treatments.

For patients with diabetes, it is especially important to see a foot doctor if you notice any type of cut, lesion or callus on your foot. Left untreated, these may worsen and become an ulcer which is a dangerous condition.

How We Treat Plantar Warts

Because plantar warts spread easily, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible.

We will determine the right treatment for your specific situation. Some methods include:

·         Prescription-strength salicylic acid applications that gradually peel away the wart.

·         Application of other acids in our office.

·         Cryotherapy where freezing medication (liquid nitrogen) is applied after local numbing of the area.

·         Minor surgery with local anesthesia to remove the wart.

You can prevent plantar warts by avoiding walking barefoot in public areas like pools, spas and locker rooms. Although the strain of HPV that causes plantar warts is not highly contagious, it tends to lurk in these warm, moist environments. Avoid contact with your own warts and be rigorous about washing your hands often. Keep any foot care products, pumice stone or nail clippers separate from the wart area.

Please Come See Us If You Have Any Foot or Ankle Pain

The foot specialists at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center have extensive experience in treating all aspects of foot problems. Our team of doctors which consists of Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Ryan Donegan is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Many treatments and surgeries can be handled right in our offices. Please call us at (860) 741-3041 to make an appointment in one of our offices conveniently located in Enfield, Windsor and South Windsor, CT.