Hidden Plantar Warts Can Be Very Painful

A plantar wart often grows underneath the skin on the heel or ball of the foot, and the pressure from weight bearing can cause the wart to grow inward causing intense pain and discomfort. Hidden plantar warts can be difficult to treat, which makes it essential that you seek the services of your foot doctor for safe removal of the wart.

Some of the signs and symptoms of plantar warts include the following:

• Pain in the heel or ball area—a painful bump usually develops under the thick skin on the ball or heel of the foot, and it may be the only indication that you have a plantar wart.

• Rough bumps—When warts are visible, they will be bumpy and have black points in the center that is actually clotted capillaries.

Treatment for plantar warts includes the following:

• Cushioning—Moleskin pads and other cushioning devices can isolate the wart to make it less painful when weight is applied to the foot.

• Soaking to soften the skin—Soaking your foot in a warm bath will soften the skin to make it easier to remove with a pumice stone or file. Salicylic acid can be used to slowly decrease the size of the wart.

• Surgery—In difficult cases, your foot doctor might require surgical excision using cryotherapy, cauterization, or laser treatment.

If you need help with painful plantar warts, we highly recommend that you consult our board-certified podiatrists Andrew Shapiro, DPM, Michael Barkin, DPM. With access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, we can assist you with heel pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, toe deformities, nail fungus, and skin problems, among many other conditions. Our practice is conveniently located on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream to accommodate all of your foot care needs. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today!