Our Services / Plantar Warts

What are plantar warts?

Plantar warts are small, pebblelike growths that develop on the soles of the feet. Weight-breathing areas, like the heels or balls of the feet, are the most common places that plantar warts appear.

Since your feet are under constant heavy pressure, bearing the weight of the rest of your body, plantar warts are often forced to grow inward. They can begin growing underneath callused skin. As a result, you might not realize you have a plantar wart.

What are the symptoms of plantar warts?

Plantar warts typically feel uncomfortable when you put pressure on them. However, these grainy bumps might not always be apparent if the skin covering them is thick and callused. Other common signs of plantar warts include:

• Black specks in the wart (tiny blood vessels)
• Pain when walking
• Clear lesion in the skin
• Hardened spot in the skin

Without treatment, plantar warts can interfere with your daily activities. Walking, exercising, and standing for long periods can become uncomfortable.

What causes plantar warts?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes plantar warts. This infection invades the outermost layer of the skin, causing plantar warts to develop on the bottom of the feet. Although anybody can get plantar warts, they’re more likely to infect:

• People who walk barefoot through public pools or locker rooms
• People with a history of warts
• Those with weakened immune systems
• Young children
• Adolescents and teenagers

Plantar warts that continue to grow and penetrate the deepest layers of tissue can affect your gait (the way you walk), leading to muscle and joint pain.

What are the treatments for plantar warts?

The practice offers same-day treatment of plantar warts. Conservative treatments typically remove plantar warts, but the doctors at Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates also offer surgery. Some of the treatments for plantar warts include:

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a medication that strips away the outer layers of tissue to treat the plantar wart underneath. In addition to office visits, your doctor will recommend applying the medication yourself at home.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, causing a blister to form around the lesion. Over the coming days and weeks, the wart slowly sloughs off, along with the hardened tissue that covered it.

Surgery

Electrodesiccation and curettage is minor surgery that involves cutting away the wart.

Call Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about plantar warts.