A painful plantar wart can remain hidden on the bottom of the foot where it grows in the plantar fascia (the wide band of tissue that spans the bottom of your foot, helping to form your arch). Often the only signs are the pain when weight is applied to the foot and the appearance of a small bump under the skin. This skin often has to be carefully removed by your foot doctor to adequately treat a plantar wart.
Treatments for painful hidden plantar warts include the following:
- Skin removal and debridement—Emery paper, skin files, and debridement tools are used to sand away dead skin to reveal the hidden plantar wart.
- Acid melting—Strong acid solutions are carefully applied to gradually peel away layers of the wart.
- Cryotherapy—Freezing with liquid nitrogen allows large pieces of the wart to be broken off. Cryotherapy and acid therapy can be used concomitantly for faster results.
- Vaccine treatment—Medication is taken internally to kill the virus that causes warts. These medications have certain side effects that you should discuss with your foot doctor.
Avoiding and minimizing contact with microbes by wearing sandals or shower shoes in common areas like locker rooms, showers, etc., will decrease your chances of getting warts.
If you need help treating a painful hidden plantar wart, contact your podiatrist. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX (county of Dallas), is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries, and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.