Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are a common foot problem, affecting up to 10% of the population. At Bluestone Podiatry in Slingerlands, New York, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Kurt Relation, DPM, offers several minimally invasive treatments for warts. Removing plantar warts stops the pain and helps you return to your favorite activities.

Call Bluestone Podiatry today to schedule wart treatment, or book your visit online.

Do plantar warts go away on their own?

Plantar warts are rough, thick patches of skin that form on the weight-bearing areas of the feet. They usually improve on their own, but it can take several years.

Don’t wait for treatment if you have multiple warts that are painful or spreading to other areas of your feet. Intervention can stop the infection from spreading and keep your feet healthy and problem-free. 

What are the symptoms of plantar warts?

Plantar wart symptoms include:

• Skin discoloration
• Pain and tenderness
• Discomfort
• Bleeding

Anyone can experience plantar warts, but they’re particularly common in children and teens. Warts form when the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters the body through a cut or break in the skin.

Are plantar warts contagious?

Yes. Plantar warts are like other warts and spread through direct contact. Certain environments are conducive to passing HPV to others, especially areas that are warm and wet.

If you use public facilities, like swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas, always wear sandals and don’t share your towels or shoes with others. 

How does a board-certified podiatrist diagnose plantar warts?

Dr. Relation reviews your medical records and asks about your warts, including when you first noticed them, what they feel like, and if they’ve spread to other parts of your body. Then, he examines the bottoms of your feet, assessing the size and shape of your warts.

If you have an underlying health problem, like diabetes, that increases your risk of complications, Dr. Relation may take a biopsy. He removes a small piece of your wart and sends it to a lab for analysis. That helps him determine the best treatment approach. 

How does a board-certified podiatrist treat plantar warts?

At Bluestone Podiatry, Dr. Relation treats warts using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. He might suggest:

• Cryotherapy to freeze the wart
• Topical medicines to help your body target the wart
• Immunotherapy to help your immune system fight human papillomavirus (HPV)

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief and your warts return, you might benefit from outpatient surgery. During surgery, Dr. Relation numbs your foot with a local anesthetic and can then use instrumentation to remove the wart.

Call us today to schedule a consultation for plantar warts, or book your visit online.