Plantar Warts

By Savannah Faulk, DPT

 What Is a Plantar Wart?

The quick answer is that plantar warts are hard, coarse growths that can appear on the bottom of your feet. They can be painful.  The majority of these warts aren’t severe and typically will go away without treatment, but some will also stick around and continue to grow if left untreated.

 

What are Home Remedies for Plantar Warts?

Over-the-counter medication is available. These medications can come as a gel, lotion, ointment, or freezing spray. The freezing spray is known to work instantly and is very similar to the freeze methods used by MDs. You should also know that these remedies are not 100% effective/curable and may not remove the wart or warts at all.

If the home remedy and over-the-counter medications do not work, the next step is to visit the MD. They will typically freeze the wart off with liquid nitrogen, and/or they could also remove the wart by laser and/or with surgery.

Plantar warts do not usually go away quickly and easily. Some will require a couple of treatment sessions to go away officially.  Plantar warts also have the ability to reappear.

What Causes a Plantar Wart?

Plantar warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). It is an infection in your skin’s outer layer on the bottom of your feet. These warts develop when the virus enters the body through cuts or gashes on the feet. These types of warts are very common, and over 100 types of this virus exist.

Can You Dig Out a Plantar Wart?

You should not dig out a wart. It could cause severe pain and more problems down the road. Plantar warts typically lie under the skin tissue on the bottom of the foot. Trying to dig them out would cause more underlying issues. In most warts, you can see a black dot in the middle, which is a blood vessel so trying to cut out a wart can cause harm.

What Happens if I Don’t Treat a Plantar Wart?

If a plantar wart is left untreated, it may start growing bigger in the perimeter and spread into groups. These groups are known as mosaic, and they can be very tender.   They can affect the proper way of walking and posture, which can lead to other impairments down the road.

How Long Do Plantar Warts Last?

These plantar warts can last anywhere between 2 months-1 year, depending on if left treated or untreated. Some warts may go away completely without treatment, and some may not go away completely even with treatment. However, warts are also known to grow back in time.

Where Do I Go to Get Treatment for a Plantar Wart?

The quick answer is:

1. Actual Plantar Wart freezing or removal – PCP, Dermatologist, or Podiatrist
2. Walking issues from Plantar Warts – JOI Physical Therapist
3. Other Orthopedic Issues related to the foot or ankle – JOI Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Specialist

Plantar Warts are typically treated by a Primary Care Doctor, a Dermatologist, or a Podiatrist. To learn about the types of Foot Doctors, this ARTICLE may help.

Where Do I Go If I Have Foot, Ankle, or Other Orthopedic Problems?

If a Plantar Wart causes you to walk differently, it can lead to knee, ankle, or even back pain.  In these situations, a JOI physical therapist can help.  The Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute Rehabilitation is the area’s leader in treating ankle, knee, hip, and back pain.  If you have pain that has developed, we can help.  We have 12 Rehabilitation Offices for your convenience.

If you have other foot or ankle problems, JOI has Board Certified Orthopaedic Ankle and Foot Specialists that can help.  From Plantar Fasciitis to Achilles tendon issues, JOI has the answers!  JOI offers ASAP appointment and telemedicine visits so that you can be seen quickly.

Related Articles:

Ankle Arthroscopy: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding turf toe injuries symptoms treatment

What is a Lisfranc Injury?

Preventing low ankle sprain tips and techniques

To schedule physical therapy at JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.

Finally, to schedule an appointment with a JOI Orthopedic Specialist, call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below.

 

By: Savannah Faulk, DPT