3 Treatments for Plantar Warts

17727300_S_plantar_wart.jpg

Plantar warts are so named because they grow in the plantar fascia which is the wide band of tissue that spans the bottom of the foot. They tend to occur in areas where the pressure is the greatest in the heel or ball if the foot.

Because of all the pressure on the wart, it can grow inward and be hidden under a thick layer of skin. The skin needs to be carefully removed by your podiatrist so that the wart can be properly treated.

3 great treatments for plantar warts include the following:

1)    Cryotherapy(freezing)—Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the wart so it can be broken off in large chunks for easier removal.

2)    Acid dissolving—Various acid solutions can be applied to the wart to remove a little at a time. This can be combined with other procedures to completely remove the wart so it doesn’t come back easily.

3)    Surgery—Some cases of embedded plantar warts that are hidden under thick skin will require surgery to properly remove.

How to prevent plantar warts

  • Avoid the virus—Warts are all caused by the very common human papillomavirus (HPV) so by protecting your feet in public places like showers and locker rooms you can help avoid contact with the virus.

  • Don’t itch your warts—Warts can be spread by contact and itching warts can spread them to other parts of your body or to other people.

  • Keep your feet clean—Keep your feet clean and dry to help decrease the prevalence of microbes on your feet and in your shoes.

If you are having problems with painful plantar warts, see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. At Fit Feet for Life, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies and years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including heel pain, sports injuries, toe deformities, nail fungus, and plantar warts.  Bonnie Sanchez, DPM, Gregory Cook, DPM, and Huy L. Nguyen, DPM provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area at our five offices conveniently located in Sun City Center, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and our two Tampa locations. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

fungus, skin conditionsFIT FEET FOR LIFE FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALISTplantar warts, surgery