Plantar warts are small, skin-colored growths that form on the soles of the feet. They affect up to 10% of people and are particularly common in kids and teens. At The Frazier Foot and Ankle Center in Spring, Texas, experienced podiatrist Michael Frazier, DPM, has more than 10 years of experience diagnosing and treating plantar warts. Call The Frazier Foot and Ankle Center today to schedule wart treatment for yourself or your child, or book your appointment online.
"Dr. Frazier showed extreme patience as well as flexibility in dealing with my timeline and constant questions and adjustments."
Warts aren’t something to worry about, right?
It’s true that warts usually aren’t serious. But depending on their location, they can affect your mobility. For example, if you have a wart on the bottom of your heel, you might have to change the way you stand or walk. That can stress the muscles and ligaments in your feet, increasing the risk of more serious issues.
Likewise, if you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects blood flow to your feet, your warts are more likely to become infected.
What are the symptoms of foot or plantar warts?
Symptoms of foot warts include:
- Rough or thickened skin
- Pain and tenderness
- Bleeding
- Discomfort
- Skin discoloration
Warts can form in several areas, but they’re particularly common on the balls, heels, and soles of the feet.
What causes foot warts?
Foot warts form due to the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters your body through cuts or small breaks in the skin, causing a skin infection. After you have HPV, it typically takes 2-6 months for warts to form.
How does a podiatrist diagnose foot warts?
The Frazier Foot and Ankle Center providers review your medical records and ask about your warts, including when you first noticed them and if activities, like standing or walking, irritate them.
Then, your provider examines the bump on the bottom of your foot, assessing its size, location, and appearance. They might also take a small tissue sample from one of the warts and send it to a lab for additional testing.
How does a podiatrist treat foot warts?
Some warts resolve after a few months but most benefit from treatment. Eliminating your warts quickly prevents them from spreading and reduces your risk of future complications. The Frazier Foot and Ankle Center providers might suggest:
- Cryotherapy to freeze and destroy the wart
- Immunotherapy to help your immune system fight the HPV infection
- Laser treatment to stop blood flow to the wart
- Electrocautery to burn the wart
Your provider might recommend minimally invasive wart removal surgery if you have several foot warts. They administer a local anesthetic to numb the bottom of your foot and cut out and remove the warts.
