Warts on Your Feet Can Be Painful

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Warts on your feet can be mistaken for other skin conditions including corns and possibly skin cancer, so you should always consult with your foot care professional for proper identification and treatment. Any skin growth that is bleeding, painful, or that changes in color or appearance should be checked out soon to make sure it is not cancerous.

Visible warts have a rough, grainy appearance, and can actually grow to an inch in diameter but are usually much smaller. The black pinpoint at the center is caused by a clotted capillary.  Plantar warts grow on the bottom of your feet in areas of pressure such as in the heel and ball sections. They can be hidden by a callus but a bump under the skin can indicate the location.

Store bought treatments using a low strength acid or freezing solution are available for wart removal, but they are rarely completely effective and warts will often return. Since warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), the complete removal of the warts is necessary to avoid a recurrence. Wart removal can be complicated, especially for hidden plantar warts, so consult with your foot specialist to avoid unnecessary complications and regrowths.

The size and location of the warts often suggests the best method of treatment and may include one or more of the following:

  • Cryotherapy (freezing)—Liquid nitrogen will harden the wart so that it can be removed in larger pieces.
  • Laser treatment—After numbing the area with an anesthetic, the warts are removed with a laser. 
  • Acid therapy—Prescription strength salicylic acid may be used in conjunction with trichloroacetic acid. The wart is gradually melted and shaved away over the course of several treatments.
  • Immunotherapy—Medications are used to stimulate your immune system. Antigens can be directly injected into the wart or applied as a topical cream.
  • Vaccine therapy—HPV vaccine can be used to treat warts systemically.
  • Minor surgery—Your podiatrist can use an electric needle to excise the warts.

If you are experiencing painful warts on your feet, consult with an experienced podiatrist for the proper treatment. At E.J. Nemet Podiatry in Twinsburg,  E.J. Nemet, DPM, treats a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries, pediatric foot problems, diabetic foot complications, nerve disorders, and toenail and skin conditions. With advanced technologies and a dedicated staff, Dr. Nemet provides expert and compassionate care to patients in the Twinsburg and Beachwood areas. To contact us or to schedule an appointment, please call (234) 212-9940.

Common Foot ConditionsE.J. NEMET DPM, LLC