Warts are small growths that may occur anywhere on the
body. Plantar is a term derived from a Latin phrase which means the sole of the
foot. Plantar warts therefore are those that occur on the soles of the feet.
Warts are caused by your body’s reaction to a viral
infection that penetrates the skin of the foot. Once there it may remain for
many months before causing the development of the wart itself. Because of the
pressure of body weight during walking, plantar warts tend to grow inward and
develop hard callused tissue over them. Therefore they often are confused with
corns or calluses.
Warts contain many blood vessels and nerve endings, and can
bleed profusely when cut. It is recommended that you never attempt to cut or
trim a wart. Pressure against the nerve endings can produce considerable pain.
Warts can spread from one part of your body to another and
may occur singularly or in clusters, and range in size from a small pinhead to
larger than a half dollar.
Warts occur more commonly in younger age groups. It seems a
certain degree of resistance or immunity is acquired by adulthood. Certain
persons are more prone to develop warts, and it appears to be related to their
general body defense mechanisms and immunity status.
The best treatment for plantar warts destroys the wart with
little or no pain, encourages the body’s immune response and allows the skin
and tissues of the foot to heal unchanged at the end of treatment. Many
chemicals and acids can stimulate this response. Warts also can be destroyed by
freezing with dry ice or liquid nitrogen, or by laser or surgical removal. In
general it is best to avoid surgical removal on the ball of the foot or the
heel, since this may produce a permanent painful scar. Effective treatment
depends on some help from the body’s immune system.
In children, the least painful treatment usually is
employed first. If the warts are resistant, it may take several treatments to
destroy them. This still is preferable to surgical excision, which may result in
permanent painful scar tissue.
It is best to discuss the method of treatment available
with your podiatrist, since each case may have special requirements.
We make it easy to find out which method of podiatric treatment may be best for your plantar warts. Here's how....
The physicians and staff of the A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers maintain two complete podiatric clinical facilities and provide 24-hour emergency service. We participate in most health plans including Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. We complete and file all necessary insurance forms and make every effort to assure you of maximum benefits with minimum out-of-pocket expense.
You are invited to make an appointment today to relieve your foot problems by calling us at 970-493-4660 or 970-667-0769.
