By Fords Foot and Ankle Care
Fords Foot and Ankle Care
519 New Brunswick Ave, Fords, NJ, 08863
📞 (732) 738-4441
🌐 fordsfootandanklecare.com
What Are Foot Warts?
Foot warts, also known as plantar warts, are small, rough growths that appear on the soles of the feet. Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), these warts can be painful and stubborn, particularly when located on pressure points like the heel or ball of the foot.
Though usually benign, plantar warts can become a significant nuisance for many people, especially those who are on their feet frequently. At Fords Foot and Ankle Care, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all foot-related conditions, including plantar warts, to help you regain comfort and confidence.
How Do You Get Warts on Your Feet?
HPV thrives in warm, moist environments such as public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Walking barefoot in these areas increases your risk of infection. The virus enters the body through tiny cuts, cracks, or weak spots in the skin on your feet.
Once inside the skin, the virus causes the rapid growth of skin cells on the surface of the foot, forming a wart. While not all strains of HPV cause warts, the ones that do are highly contagious.
Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Warts
- A small, rough, fleshy growth on the bottom of the foot
- A hardened callus over a well-defined “spot” (often where the wart has grown inward)
- Tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels)
- Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
- Disruption in normal walking patterns due to discomfort
Treatment Options at Fords Foot and Ankle Care
While some warts resolve on their own, persistent or painful warts typically require medical treatment. At Fords Foot and Ankle Care, our podiatry team provides personalized wart treatment plans that may include:
- Prescription-Strength Topical Solutions: Stronger than over-the-counter remedies, these medications help dissolve wart tissue over time.
- Cryotherapy (Freezing): This involves applying liquid nitrogen to the wart to destroy the affected tissue.
- Laser Therapy: Targeted laser treatment can cauterize blood supply to the wart, causing it to fall off.
- Minor Surgical Removal: In more stubborn cases, warts can be excised under local anesthesia.
- Immune-Boosting Injections or Topicals: For patients with recurring warts, we may recommend therapies that stimulate the body’s immune response.
Prevention Tips
- Always wear sandals or water shoes in communal areas like gym showers or pool decks.
- Avoid sharing socks, shoes, or towels.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Do not pick or scratch existing warts, as this can spread the virus.
- If you have a wart, cover it with a bandage before physical activity or walking barefoot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are plantar warts contagious?
A: Yes. Plantar warts are caused by a virus and can spread through direct contact or by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces.
Q: Can I treat foot warts at home?
A: Over-the-counter treatments may help in mild cases, but they are often ineffective for deep or painful warts. Persistent or recurring warts should be evaluated by a podiatrist.
Q: How long does it take to get rid of a plantar wart?
A: The timeline varies depending on the treatment method and the individual’s immune response. Some warts resolve in a few weeks, while others may take several months.
Q: Can I prevent warts from coming back?
A: While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent recurrence, practicing good foot hygiene and avoiding barefoot exposure in public places greatly reduces your risk.
Q: Is wart removal painful?
A: Most procedures are well tolerated. If discomfort is expected, we use local anesthesia or numbing agents to ensure your comfort during treatment.
When to See a Podiatrist
You should seek professional care if:
- The wart becomes painful or interferes with walking.
- You notice bleeding, spreading, or changes in color.
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
- Over-the-counter treatments are not working.
Trust Your Feet to Fords Foot and Ankle Care
Our experienced podiatry team at Fords Foot and Ankle Care is here to help you walk pain-free again. Whether you’re dealing with a minor nuisance or a chronic condition, we offer expert care and state-of-the-art treatments tailored to your needs.
📍 Visit Us:
Fords Foot and Ankle Care
519 New Brunswick Ave
Fords, NJ, 08863
📞 Call Today: (732) 738-4441
🌐 Website: fordsfootandanklecare.com
Let us help you take the next step toward healthy, wart-free feet!