4 Treatments for Painful Plantar Warts
Warts in general are caused by the human papillomavirus which is a very common microbe in our environment. When warts develop in the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot they are called plantar warts. These warts can be quite painful and difficult to treat without help from your foot doctor.
4 possible treatments for plantar warts may include the following:
1) Freezing therapy—Liquid nitrogen is carefully applied to the wart by your foot doctor so it can quickly be broken off into larger pieces and removed. The thick skin that often hides plantar warts will need to be carefully debrided by your podiatrist beforehand.
2) Salicylic acid treatment—A strong salicylic acid solution is applied to the wart to help peel it away. Freezing and acid therapy can be combined for rapid treatment.
3) Laser treatment—This nearly painless procedure is used to burn away the wart with a high-energy laser. The procedure helps kill the wart and prevent bleeding by cauterizing capillaries in the process.
4) Surgical removal for severely embedded warts—For warts that are embedded in thick skin or intertwined with other soft tissues, surgical removal may be necessary.
How you can prevent getting warts in the first place:
Since warts are caused by a virus that is ubiquitous in the environment, you can help avoid getting warts by protecting yourself from contact with microbes. Wear protective shower shoes or sandals when using public locker room areas. Keeping your feet clean and using antimicrobial sprays and powders on your feet and in your shoes will help keep warts and other infectious issues from happening.
If you suspect you have plantar warts, be sure to see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors: Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies including the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.
