Warts on your feet or, more specifically, plantar warts, aren’t particularly dangerous, but they can pose considerable issues with comfort. For expert care in eliminating painful warts, turn to Michfoot Surgeons PC. Led by Kevin Sorensen, DPM, and Randy Leff, DPM, the team of foot specialists have the treatments necessary to remedy your stubborn plantar warts. If you’re in Southfield, Michigan, call or fill out the online form to request an appointment.
Warts Q & A
What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are small growths of skin that develop on the bottoms of your feet, usually in areas that are under the most pressure — the balls of your feet and your heels.
What are the signs of plantar warts?
The most common signs that you’ve developed plantar warts on the soles of your feet are:
- Small, lumpy growths of flesh
- A black spot in the center of the growth
- Thickened, callused skin where a wart has grown inward
Because of the location of most plantar warts, these growths can be extremely uncomfortable, at best, and painful, at worst.
What causes plantar warts?
All warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and plantar warts are no different. HPV enters your body through small breaks or cuts in your feet where this strain of the virus stays fairly local, meaning it typically doesn’t spread to other parts of your body.
HPV prefers warm, moist environments, such as public swimming pools and locker rooms, so any time you’re barefoot in these areas, you’re at risk for contracting the infection.
Are plantar warts dangerous?
Plantar warts aren’t necessarily a cause for concern, but you should have them treated at Michfoot Surgeons PC promptly to prevent the infection from spreading. Plantar warts can be particularly stubborn and often recur in people who have a history of warts.
If you’re a diabetic, you need to be cautious when it comes to any infection in your feet, including plantar warts. These warts can spread and become problematic open wounds if not treated quickly at Michfoot Surgeons PC.
How are plantar warts treated?
After examining your feet and confirming the presence of plantar warts, either Dr. Sorensen or Dr. Leff may recommend:
- Salicylic acid to gradually remove the wart
- Cryotherapy to freeze off your warts
- Surgical excision of your warts
Your treatment plan will largely depend upon the extent of your warts and where they’re located. As well, if your warts are stubborn and return time and again, surgical excision may provide the best long-term solution.
If you have diabetes, your doctor works to prevent the warts from becoming open wounds, which are difficult to manage, given the compromised blood flow to your feet.
To rid your feet of unsightly and uncomfortable warts, call Michfoot Surgeons PC, or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.