Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are a common but painful problem, affecting up to 10% of Americans at one time or another. Luckily, various treatments exist to promote healing and keep them from coming back. At Valley Stream Foot Doctor in Valley Stream, New York, experienced podiatrist Marc Schumann, DPM, specializes in plantar wart treatment. After an exam, he can make personalized recommendations to clear the infection and any related pain. Call Valley Stream Foot Doctor to schedule plantar wart treatment, or book your appointment online today.

What are plantar warts?

Plantar warts are hard, round growths that form on weight-bearing areas, like the heels and balls of the feet. They form when a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters your body through small cuts or cracks in your skin. 

Anyone can experience plantar warts, but they commonly affect children and teens since their immune systems are developing. People 65 and older are also susceptible because of age and weakened immunity.

What are the symptoms of plantar warts? 

Plantar wart symptoms include:

• Small, rough growths on the bottom of the foot near the heel or base of the toes
• Hard, thickened skin
• Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
• Hard, round growths with a black spot in the middle

Warts usually aren’t serious, but if you have diabetes or poor circulation, they increase the risk of other problems, so treatment is crucial. 

How are plantar warts diagnosed?

Dr. Schumann reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes an exam. More specifically, he looks at the bottom of your feet, examining the size, appearance, and location of each wart.

Often, plantar warts are diagnosed visually, but Dr. Schumann might also take a biopsy (skin sample) to confirm you have HPV. 

How are plantar warts treated?

At Valley Stream Foot Doctor, Dr. Schumann takes an integrative and minimally invasive approach to treating plantar warts. He may recommend:

Cryotherapy

During cryotherapy, Dr. Schumann uses liquid nitrogen or argon gas to freeze and destroy your plantar warts. After cryotherapy, the warts die and ultimately fall off.

Laser treatment

During laser treatment, Dr. Schumann uses targeted light energy to destroy the small blood vessels that feed your plantar warts. Cutting off circulation to the warts kills them and causes them to fall off.

Topical medicine

With this approach, Dr. Schumann uses a topical medication, like salicylic acid, to cut off each wart’s blood supply. After treatment, a blister forms underneath each plantar wart, causing it to die. Once this process is finished, Dr. Schumann removes the wart with a scalpel or other sharp tool. 

Are plantar warts preventable?

Plantar warts can’t be prevented altogether, but you can reduce your risk. Dr. Schumann recommends thoroughly cleaning your feet each time you bathe, never sharing towels or socks, and not walking barefoot in public spaces, such as gyms and pools. You may also benefit from getting the HPV vaccine.

Call Valley Stream Foot Doctor to schedule plantar wart treatment, or book your appointment online today.