Foot warts may be a common foot condition, but they don’t have to disrupt your daily life. This article explains what plantar warts are, what causes them, and how they can be treated.
At Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute, our dedicated team of podiatrists in Austin, Texas, offers comprehensive care and effective treatments to help you overcome plantar warts and regain comfort and confidence in every step you take. Contact us today!
Our Services
Discover an Effective Way to Eliminate Warts:
Plantar warts (or verruca plantaris) are benign growths that develop on the soles of your feet due to an infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These rough bumps can vary in appearance and may cause discomfort or pain, especially when walking or standing for prolonged periods.
When these warts appear on the hands, they are referred to as palmar warts.
While anyone can develop plantar warts, certain factors may increase your susceptibility, including:
Plantar warts are caused by the virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can enter the skin through a cut or break and cause a skin infection. However, it can also affect healthy skin, especially after exposure to water. The plantar warts may take two to six months to appear after exposure to HPV.
The strain of HPV that causes common warts on the hands and feet is different from the strain of the virus that causes genital warts.
Yes, contact with HPV can spread from person to person. It can be passed on through towel or shoe sharing. It can also spread from one part of the body to another if there is skin-to-skin contact.
Identifying plantar warts early is key to prompt treatment. Symptoms may include:
If you experience persistent discomfort or notice changes in the appearance of your plantar wart, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider. You should seek medical attention if your wart:
Plantar warts are usually identifiable through physical examination by a medical professional. In some cases, a biopsy can be used to identify the HPV infection.
At Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute, several techniques could be used to treat plantar warts. Treatment options may include:
Swift Microwave Therapy is a revolutionary treatment for warts, providing a permanent solution to these lesions. This non-destructive immunotherapy leverages your body’s natural defenses to effectively eliminate warts.
With an efficacy rate exceeding 85 percent and a wart recurrence rate of less than 1 percent, Swift Microwave Therapy is highly effective in treating warts. The treatment takes only a few minutes, allowing you to continue your daily activities without downtime. Moreover, unlike other wart treatments, you won’t need to deal with blistering, bandages, or wounds.
Swift targets the underlying cause of warts rather than just the symptoms. Swift’s microwave technology uses heat to alert the immune system to the presence of HPV, enabling your body to actively combat the virus. Unlike other treatments that focus solely on the wart itself, Swift addresses the root cause—the HPV virus—and significantly reduces the likelihood of the wart returning after treatment.
The typical treatment plan with Swift involves an average of 4 sessions, with each treatment spaced about 4 weeks apart, followed by a follow-up appointment 12 weeks after the final session. The procedure administers microwave energy in 5 doses to the infected tissue, each lasting a few seconds. Most patients report some discomfort during treatment, though pain is rarely experienced afterward.
While professional care is recommended for severe or persistent cases, some individuals may find relief with home remedies such as:
Don’t let plantar warts dictate your comfort and mobility. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your foot health, schedule an appointment with the experts at Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute in Austin, Texas. Our compassionate team is committed to providing personalized care and effective solutions to help you step forward with confidence.
Medically reviewed by Liza Chabokrow, DPM
Contact Info
