Warts can develop anywhere on the body, but they can be painful when they affect your feet. At Total Family Foot Care in Arlington and Fort Worth, Texas, Terry Wright, DPM, and Jacquelyn Perry, DPM, treat plantar warts that develop on the bottom of the feet. Removing plantar warts typically requires professional care. To learn more, call Total Family Foot Care or schedule an appointment online today.

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What are warts?

Warts are small grainy growths that can appear anywhere on the skin. Plantar warts commonly develop on the bottom of your feet. Unlike other types, plantar warts typically sit underneath a thick layer of callused skin. That protection makes plantar warts difficult to treat.

Since plantar warts often develop on the balls of the feet or bottom of the heels or toes, they can cause discomfort when you walk or stand. Without treatment, plantar warts can change your gait or posture.

What are the symptoms of warts?

Common symptoms of plantar warts include:

  • A thickened patch of skin with a small bump
  • A hard grainy bump
  • Tiny black specks
  • A clear lesion or small break in the skin
  • Discomfort when standing or walking

Plantar warts often feel similar to standing on top of a pebble. As the wart grows inward, discomfort around the lesion can increase.

What causes warts?

Plantar warts are the result of the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The virus can penetrate the bottom of your foot through small breaks in the skin. Although anybody can develop a plantar wart, there are certain risk factors for the infection. Individuals at risk of plantar warts include:

  • Children and teenagers
  • Individuals with a history of warts
  • Those who walk around locker rooms barefoot
  • People with weakened immune function

Without treatment, plantar warts can interfere with your ability to walk comfortably. They may even affect your gait.

What are the treatments for warts?

After a comprehensive examination of your feet, Dr. Wright or Dr. Perry at Total Family Foot Care can determine the appropriate wart treatment for you. Common professional treatments for plantar warts include:

  • Salicylic acid (peeling medicine)
  • Biopsy of the lesion for accurate diagnosis
  • Lesion removal

Individuals with plantar warts are at an increased risk of recurrence. To prevent plantar warts, always change your socks and keep your feet dry. Avoid touching your warts, as these lesions can spread. To prevent complications, try not to pick or cut plantar warts on your own.

To learn more about warts, call Total Family Foot Care or schedule an appointment online today.