Sole Survivors: Tackling Plantar Warts One Step at a Time

Dr. McHardy
Apr 28
4 min read

Bare feet walking across a wooden floor, indicating a potential cause for plantar warts.

Have you tried to tackle a plantar wart on the bottom of your foot only to seem right back where you started? The wart remains, looking uglier than ever, as the sole survivor of all the treatments and remedies you tried to be rid of the lingering virus.

Get ready to combat these warts and be rid of them for good, so they no longer impact your daily activities and quality of life. With the right treatment plan, plantar warts can be eliminated, allowing you to step back into a pain and virus-free routine.

What are Plantar Warts?

Before discussing ways to tackle these annoying bumps, let's first understand what plantar warts are.

Plantar warts are noncancerous growths that develop on the soles of the feet due to an infection caused by the HPV, or human papillomavirus. The virus enters the skin through cuts or abrasions, triggering the growth of warts over time.

These warts often develop in areas of the foot that endure pressure, such as the heels. As a result, they can become quite painful when walking or standing. They might feel like stepping on a small pebble, and can be frustratingly stubborn if left untreated.

What Causes Plantar Warts?

You may wonder how a seemingly harmless virus can make its way into your skin and cause so much harm.

HPV, the virus responsible for plantar warts, thrives in warm, moist environments, including public showers, swimming pools, and gym locker rooms. The virus enters the skin through cracks or breaks, making it crucial to wear protective footwear in public areas to minimize your risk.

Bottom of a person's foot with a plantar wart on the ball of their foot.

What do Plantar Warts Look Like?

Plantar warts typically appear as small, rough, grainy growths on the bottom of the feet. They may feel tender when walking or standing, especially when pressure is applied, thus restricting your natural pain-free movements.

Recognizing the symptoms of plantar warts

Pain and tenderness: A key sign that you might have a plantar wart is tenderness or pain when standing or walking. The wart often develops in areas where pressure is frequently applied, such as the heels or the ball of the foot.
Grainy growth: The wart typically presents as a small, hardened, grainy growth, usually found on weight-bearing areas of the foot.
Black pinpoint dots: These are tiny, clotted blood vessels within the wart.

Treatment Options for Plantar Warts

Here’s some good news! Plantar warts are treatable. While some warts may resolve on their own, others may require professional help or over-the-counter treatments.

Let’s take a look at the available options:

1. Over-the-counter remedies

The first line of defence is typically over-the-counter treatments, particularly those containing salicylic acid. This treatment works by softening the skin and gradually peeling away the wart over time.

However, you need to be consistent with the application, and it may take several weeks to see results. If the wart persists, other treatments may be necessary.

2. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a procedure in which your healthcare provider uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart.

This method is highly effective because freezing the wart destroys the tissue, causing it to fall off after a few days. While multiple sessions may be required for stubborn warts, this is one of the most commonly practiced professional treatments for plantar warts.

3. Laser treatment

Laser therapy is another option chosen by healthcare providers for wart removal.

This treatment uses a laser to target and destroy wart tissue. Laser treatment is typically used for stubborn plantar warts that haven’t responded to cryotherapy or topical treatments. However, please note that you may require several sessions to achieve the desired outcome.

4. Microwave therapy

This is a relatively newer non-invasive treatment. As the name suggests, this therapy utilizes microwave energy to stimulate the body’s immune system to target and eliminate the wart.

Microwave therapy is effective for persistent plantar warts and can be done in a single session with minimal discomfort.

How Can I Prevent Plantar Warts?

The answer is relatively simple. You can prevent plantar warts by limiting exposure to HPV and practicing good foot hygiene. Here are a few handy tips from us at Parkway Back and Foot Clinic:

Wear protective footwear: Always wear slippers or water shoes in public areas, such as pools, locker rooms, or communal showers.
Maintain foot hygiene: Wash your feet daily and keep them clean and dry, especially between your toes.
Avoid sharing personal items: Don’t share towels, socks, or shoes, as this virus can spread through direct contact.
Boost your immunity: A strong immune system can help your body fight off viruses, including HPV. Eat well, stay active, and get enough rest.

Parkway Back and Foot Clinic branded image with a person holding their bare foot up and looking at the bottom, where there are several plantar warts.

When Should I Get Medical Attention for My Plantar Warts?

If you notice that your plantar wart is growing larger, spreading, or becoming painful, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. While some warts may resolve on their own, not all do, and waiting too long can lead to discomfort and complications.

Warts that don’t respond to home treatments or worsen over time should be examined by a podiatrist, who can recommend advanced treatment options. A Chiropodist can not only confirm the diagnosis but also rule out other foot conditions that may resemble warts.

Plantar warts are frustrating, but by seeking appropriate treatment, they won’t cause you much harm and interfere with your daily life. The key is to act early and do the right thing to prevent the wart from becoming worse.

Whether it’s your first experience with a wart or something you’ve been dealing with for a while, we’re here to walk the journey with you, every step of the way.

With a patient-centered approach and state-of-the-art techniques, Parkway Back and Foot Clinic in Stoney Creek is dedicated to alleviating pain and enhancing mobility. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic discomfort or preventive care, we are here to support your journey to better health.