Plantar warts are so named because they grow in the plantar fascia, which is the wide band of fibrous tissue that spans the bottom of your foot. These warts form in response to pressure and often occur in the heel or ball area where stress is the highest. They also tend to form underneath the thick skin in these areas and the only visible sign is a small bump.
Plantar warts can look like cancerous lesions, so you should always have them evaluated by your podiatrist to get the proper treatment.
Treatment methods for painful plantar warts include the following:
Freezing—Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the wart so that it can be removed in large sections. The cryotherapy treatment can be combined with chemical acid peeling to completely remove the wart.
Medication to kill the virus that causes warts—The ubiquitous human papillomavirus actually causes all warts, so treating the virus with oral medication can be an excellent way to prevent warts from forming. These medications have possible side effects that you should discuss with your podiatrist.
Acid peel—Strong salicylic acid is used to peel away the wart in layers. You can try the home treatment kits for this purpose that are available over the counter, but for the best results the stronger prescription acids are preferable.
You can help prevent getting plantar warts by keeping your feet clean and protected to help avoid coming into contact with the virus that causes warts. Always wear protective sandals or shower shoes in public locker rooms and showers.
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort from plantar warts, consult with our board-certified podiatrists Dr. Greg Khaimov, Dr. Daniel Pollack, Dr. Walter Majdanski, Dr. Yakov Haimov, Dr. Matthew Yagudayev and Dr. Kevin Jeong at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. The center offers convenient locations in Fort Lee NJ, Ringwood NJ, Flushing Queens NY, Woodhaven NY, Brooklyn NY, and Forest Hills NY. Contact us at (201) 363-9844 and schedule an appointment today!
