What is a Plantar Wart
Warts are contagious infections of the skin caused by HPV, or the human papilloma virus, and can occur anywhere on the body, especially on the hands or feet. Warts that pop up on the feet are called plantar warts, because “they occur on the ‘plantar surface’ of the foot.” Plantar warts are usually flat and difficult to treat and detect until they start becoming irritating or cause pain. Treatment options for plantar warts include topical prescription medicines, injections, and surgical removal.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Frankel of The Frankel Foot & Ankle Center. We will diagnose and treat your foot and ankle needs!
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatments
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, contact Frankel Foot & Ankle today! Dr. Frankel can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one our offices in Milford, PA, Middletown, NY and Warwick, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
