What is a Plantar wart ?  Plantar warts are a skin virus, which develops into a lesion to the bottom of the foot, and are usually considered benign (non-cancerous) growths that involve the top layer of skin, or epidermis.  The problem with plantar warts is that the top layer of the skin (epidermal layer) to the foot is the thickest on the body, so they have much more “room to grow” and often feel as if they are “growing deep into the foot” (even though they really are not). 

Most plantar warts are diagnosed on their appearance. They are usually rough or spongy-like in appearance, and can have darkened, pin-point spots within.  These are often mistaken for “seeds” to the wart, but they are actually tiny capillaries (blood vessels) that supply blood to the wart and help to keep the wart alive.

Plantar warts can occur when the human papilloma virus (HPV) invades the body through the skin on the bottom of the foot, typically through cuts or breaks.  The virus often is present on contaminated surfaces, such as activity mats, floor mats, tiles, public locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.

Because of the viral nature of warts, the immune system is the body’s defense to address the infection, and therefore, because of its immune-modulated response, some individuals are more prone to developing warts than others.

Warts can often develop several days to weeks after a cut or break in the skin.  When first diagnosed, patients often feel a “bump” on the bottom of the foot when standing, and many times the wart is misdiagnosed as a corn or callus.  If left untreated, plantar warts can increase in size and pain, and may spread into clusters.  In severe cases, they can cause a change posture or the way a patient walks, which can result in leg or back pain. 

Warts can be difficult to manage, and often require more than one treatment.  Treatment options can vary depending on the size of the wart, type of wart, location of the wart, expectations of the patient, as well as any health related issues they may have.

If you suffer from plantar warts, please give Ability Foot and Ankle a call at (859) 746-3668 to schedule an appointment to find effective treatment options for you.