24 Aug How to Identify and Treat Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are so named because they form in the plantar fascia, which is the wide band of fibrous tissue that spans the bottom of your foot and forms your arch. Plantar warts often cause severe pain and discomfort, especially when you put weight on the affected foot. Since plantar warts often grow hidden beneath the thick skin in the ball or heel area, the only visible sign may be a bump in the skin at the location of the wart.
Some of the available treatments for plantar warts include the following:
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen—A hidden wart can be difficult to reach. The thick skin will be removed, and then liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart to freeze it so it will break apart.
- Acid peeling and sanding— After accessing the wart by sanding and removing the thick skin that is covering it, your foot doctor will apply a strong acid solution to the wart to slowly remove it in layers. It can be combined with cryotherapy.
- Medications—Medicines that contain the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine can treat the microbes and warts through your bloodstream.
For pain and discomfort from an embedded plantar wart, see your foot doctor for the proper care.
If you have pain from any type of injury or have any concerns about your foot and ankle health, make an appointment with Alta Ridge Foot Specialists at one of our three offices at 105 Chestnut Street, Mars Hill or 440 Alta Pass Highway, Spruce Pine or 2211 NC Hwy 105, Boone NC. We are a proud member of the Instride Foot and Ankle Partnership, a statewide partnership of doctors dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care to our patients. Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode, and Dr. Thomas Verla and their staff look forward to serving you. Contact us today!