Treatment of Plantar Warts

Need Plantar Wart Treatment?

Also known as small growths on the heel or other weight-bearing areas of your feet, plantar warts can also grow beneath the thick layer of skin (callus) due to pressure.

Most plantar warts are caused by a virus that enters your body through cut or other weak spots on the bottom of your feet, known as HPV (human papillomavirus).

Although not considered a serious health concern, plantar warts eventually go away without any treatment. But it is recommended that you see a doctor to have the warts removed or try self-care treatments at home.

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Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of plantar warts include:

  • A small growth at the base of your toes, heel, or the bottom of your foot
  • A callus over the spot where a wart has grown inward
  • Clotted blood vessels (“wart seeds”) around the wart
  • Pain or tenderness when walking or standing

When To See a Foot Doctor

Call a foot doctor about the plantar wart on your foot if:

  • There’s bleeding or any painful changes
  • You’ve tried self-care treatment remedies and the wart is still there, or has multiplied
  • There’s increased discomfort during physical activities
  • There’s a poor sensation in your feet
  • You aren’t sure whether the lesion on your foot is a wart

What Causes Plantar Warts to Form?

As previously mentioned, plantar warts are often caused by an infection with HPV on the outer layer of the skin through cuts on the bottom of your feet. With more than 100 kinds of viruses in existence, HPV is very common. But only a few of them cause plantar warts on your feet.

Transmission Through the HPV Virus

HPV strains that cause plantar warts aren’t highly contagious and each persona’ immune system responds differently to the HPV virus. Not everyone who comes in contact with the virus will develop warts.

Although the virus isn’t easily transmitted by direct contact from one person to another, you may contract the virus by walking barefoot in warm, moist environments like a locker room or around swimming pools.

Who is at Risk?

Anyone walking barefoot around moist environments can contract the virus, but plantar warts are most likely to affect:

  • Children and teenagers
  • Those with weakened immune systems
  • Those who’ve previously had plantar warts
  • Those walking around swimming pools and locker rooms barefoot

Plantar Wart Complications

Plantar warts can cause pain and alter your normal posture, eventually changing the way you stand, walk or run while causing muscle or joint discomfort.

Preventing Plantar Warts

To prevent plantar warts, you must:

  • Avoid direct contact with warts and immediately wash your hands after coming in contact with one
  • Always keep your feet clean and dry and change out your socks daily
  • Avoid walking barefoot around moist environments (swimming pools and locker rooms)
  • Don’t scratch or pick at warts

At Bartlett Foot Center, we specialize in giving our patients the care, comfort, and convenience they deserve. If you’re feeling discomfort in the bottom of your foot and are seeking plantar wart treatment, contact us today at (630) 463-6111 today to speak with our experienced Chicagoland foot doctors.

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What our customers have to say

Dan McCarthy
Dan McCarthy
2022-09-22
Dr. Sack evaluated my son’s ankle and was incredibly thorough and detailed in his analysis. He also provided a clear and concise explanation of my son’s injury and what a potential treatment plan would entail. I would highly recommend Bartlett Ankle and Foot Center and Dr. Sack.
Scott Kinnaman
Scott Kinnaman
2022-06-05
Dr. Dunn is great. Receptionist is always helpful with questions/insurance and scheduling appointments
Terry Dane
Terry Dane
2021-11-02
Dr. BRIAN DUNN. Not only is he an expert in Podiatry, but he is very personable. cares
Jennifer Reale
Jennifer Reale
2021-04-07
Dr. Sack and Dr. Dunn are the only podiatrists I trust my feet with. Dr. Sack has seen me through many injuries and two surgeries now. He always listens to my concerns, and exhausts every option before we head down the surgical route. I love how responsive he is to his patients. I know if I ever have a question, he'll get back to me promptly. If you have problems with your feet, I highly recommend this practice! You won't be disappointed!
Keith Engstrom
Keith Engstrom
2020-09-15
I have been seeing Dr Dunn for years and he is great. A+++++ all around.
Mason
Mason
2020-08-13
Why knew that "quarantine foot" was a thing? Just putting gym shoes back on around the house has helped a ton with my foot pain. Dr. Dunn is the best!
Janan Jarosinski
Janan Jarosinski
2019-08-01
Very professional , excellent staff with all the right answers!! Dr. Sack ,after initial meeting , not only immediately came to a conclusion on my foot ailment , but quickly came up with a surgical solution to help and cure my problem . By following his post operative recovery time and job related therapy "STRICTLY!!" , I was able to return to work in construction successfully ! I would have no problem recommending Dr. Sack and his helpful staff to anyone with foot problems - Steve