Did you know that warts are extremely common? It’s true! Approximately 10% of the entire world population will have dealt with warts at some point in their lives. That’s a lot of people! We are running through some basic information about these warts that appear on the feet, plantar warts. So that if they show up, you know what they are and how to get them treated.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are raised lesions on the bottom of the foot that usually happens as a result of an infection or virus under the skin. Remember when we said how it’s important to check your feet for cuts and scratches (especially if you are diabetic)? Well, even a tiny or small unnoticed break in the skin can allow a virus to penetrate the foot.
When this happens it can lead to painful lesions and need to be seen by a foot doctor (podiatrist). This then causes painful lesions that are very difficult to eradicate unless accurately diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist. Plantar warts can appear callused with black tiny dots and there is typically increased pain when squeezed.
What Are The Causes?
Plantar warts are caused by an infection with HPV. They develop when the virus enters your body through tiny cuts, breaks, or other weak spots on the bottoms of your feet. HPV is very common, and more than 100 kinds of the virus exist. But only a few of them cause warts on the feet.
There are various causes that can be attributed to the development and progression of plantar warts. These include:
- injuries and trauma
- systemic issues or joint issues leading to damage
- Inflammatory conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout
How Are Plantar Warts Treated?
Sometimes plantar warts go away without treatment eventually. You may practice self-care treatments or visit your doctor to have it removed.
It all typically depends on the severity of the wart(s), as well as the location. In the cases where warts do not go away or become painful, or you have underlying health conditions (such as diabetes), it is always best to seek the advice of a doctor.
Our podiatrists can determine the best course of treatment for your condition and symptoms.
One treatment in particular that is gaining a lot of recognition and success is treating warts is the SWIFT Technology. This is a revolutionary new technology that uses microwave energy that is delivered through a special probe which is directly applied to the skin to treat the affected tissue(s). Because of its precise and highly controlled energy dosage, it is proving to be highly effective.
Plantar Wart Treatment Available in Algonquin, IL
One of our specialists will discuss all options with you and determine the best treatment course. With the advances in technology and our state-of-the-art equipment, we offer treatment that makes removing plantar warts easy and painless.
Here at the Foot & Ankle Specialists of Illinois, we can help you in ailments that affect the skin in the foot and ankle area.
