Plantar warts grow on the bottom of the foot, usually in the heel or ball area. These areas are often covered with thick, callused skin and a plantar wart often grows inward underneath the skin and hidden from view. They may get better on their own after a long time, but there are treatments that your foot doctor can provide to eliminate the wart and the pain caused whenever you put weight on your foot.
Treatments for plantar warts
Some of the best treatments include the following:
- Laser therapy—This very painless process can be used to burn and seal blood vessels removing the source of energy from the wart and causing it to die.
- Cryosurgery—Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the wart and the dead tissue is then removed. This may take several treatments and only requires a local anesthetic so it can be done in the doctor’s office.
- Acid therapy—High PH salicylic acid is applied to peel the wart away slowly. This method can be combined with cryotherapy for a faster result.
- Surgery—In the most severe cases it may be necessary to remove the wart with a scalpel.
How to avoid getting plantar warts
Since warts are caused by a common virus (HPV) that can be easily transmitted by contact, there are obvious steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting or spreading warts to other parts of your body. Don’t pick at your warts because they can spread that way. Always protect your feet in public swimming pools areas, showers and gym locker rooms. Keeping your feet clean and dry and changing your shoes and socks frequently can help avoid the spread of the virus that causes warts.
If you need help treating painful plantar warts, contact your foot care professional. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX, is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions, to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.