Plantar warts can be painful, stubborn, and unsightly—especially when they appear on the soles of your feet. If you're dealing with one or more, you're not alone. Plantar warts are a common foot condition treated regularly by podiatrists.
In this blog, we'll explain what causes plantar warts, how to recognise them, and the best treatment options available to get you back on your feet comfortably and confidently.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are small, rough growths that appear on the bottom of the foot (plantar surface). They're caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or weak spots.
Unlike other warts, plantar warts are pushed inward due to the pressure from walking and standing. This can cause discomfort or pain—especially on weight-bearing areas like the heel or ball of the foot.
How to Identify a Plantar Wart
-
Small, rough, circular lesion on the sole of the foot
-
May have black dots (clotted blood vessels)
-
Can be painful when walking or standing
-
Disruption of normal skin lines
-
Often confused with corns or calluses
If you're unsure whether it's a wart or something else, a podiatrist can diagnose it correctly and recommend the right treatment.
What You Can Do at Home
✅ Keep Feet Clean and Dry
This reduces the risk of spreading the virus and supports your immune system's fight against the wart.
✅ Avoid Picking or Scratching
Warts are contagious. Picking can spread the virus to other parts of the body or to others.
✅ Use Over-the-Counter Treatments Cautiously
Salicylic acid products may help in early cases but can damage surrounding skin if not used carefully. Always follow the instructions and avoid use on broken or sensitive skin.
❌ Don't Use Home Remedies for Long-Lasting Warts
DIY treatments like apple cider vinegar, duct tape, or freezing sprays from the chemist may not be effective and can cause irritation.
Professional Treatment Options
If your wart is painful, spreading, or hasn't improved in a few weeks, it’s time to see a podiatrist. At Foot HQ Podiatry, we offer:
🔹 Swift Microwave Therapy
A fast, highly effective treatment that uses microwave energy to target the wart virus without damaging surrounding skin.
🔹 Cryotherapy
Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy infected tissue.
🔹 Debridement and Topical Treatment
Carefully shaving down the wart and applying strong wart-destroying agents under podiatric supervision.
🔹 Pressure Offloading
Padding or orthotics may be used to reduce pressure if the wart is causing discomfort while walking.
Preventing Plantar Warts
-
Wear thongs in communal showers, gyms, and swimming pools
-
Don’t share shoes, socks, or towels
-
Keep your feet clean and dry
-
Avoid walking barefoot in public places
-
Boost your immune system with a healthy lifestyle
Get Effective Wart Treatment at Foot HQ Podiatry
Plantar warts can be tough to treat on your own. Our team at Foot HQ Podiatry offers safe, evidence-based treatments that remove warts efficiently and help prevent recurrence.
📍 Suite 1, 28–30 Urunga Parade, Miranda NSW 2228
📞 Call (02) 8520 8818 to book your appointment and step pain-free again.
Share: