Warts are a common foot condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While many warts are harmless, they can become painful, spread, and interfere with daily activities when they develop on the feet. At St. Louis Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists provide effective wart diagnosis and treatment to help patients eliminate painful growths and prevent them from returning.
If you believe you have a wart on your foot, professional care can help you find lasting relief.
📞 Call (314) 596-9670 today to schedule an appointment.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are warts that develop on the bottom of the foot, often on the heel or ball of the foot where pressure is greatest. Because of this pressure, plantar warts can grow inward beneath the skin, sometimes causing discomfort when standing or walking.
Plantar warts may appear as:
- Rough, grainy growths on the sole of the foot
- Small lesions with black pinpoint dots (clotted blood vessels)
- Areas of thickened skin that may resemble a callus
- Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
Without treatment, plantar warts can spread to other areas of the foot or to other people.
What Causes Foot Warts?
Warts are caused by HPV entering the skin through small cuts or breaks. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making places like locker rooms, pools, and communal showers common sources of infection.
You may be more likely to develop plantar warts if you:
- Walk barefoot in public areas
- Have weakened immune defenses
- Experience frequent foot injuries or skin cracks
- Share footwear or socks
Because the virus spreads easily, early treatment is important.
Symptoms of Plantar Warts
While some warts are painless, many cause noticeable symptoms, especially when located on weight-bearing areas of the foot.
Common symptoms include:
- Thickened skin on the bottom of the foot
- Pain when walking or applying pressure
- Small black dots within the wart
- Clusters of warts forming in one area (mosaic warts)
If you are unsure whether a lesion is a wart, call St. Louis Foot & Ankle at (314) 596-9670 for a professional evaluation.
Professional Wart Treatment
Over-the-counter treatments are often ineffective for stubborn plantar warts. At St. Louis Foot & Ankle, we offer several advanced treatments designed to remove the wart while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
Treatment options may include:
- Medical-grade topical medications
- Cryotherapy (freezing the wart)
- Minor surgical removal
- Laser or advanced wart therapy
- Immune-stimulating treatments to prevent recurrence
Our podiatrists will recommend the best treatment based on the wart’s size, location, and severity.
When to See a Podiatrist
You should seek medical care if:
- The wart becomes painful
- It continues spreading or multiplying
- Home treatments are not working
- You have diabetes or circulation issues
- You are unsure if the growth is a wart
Prompt treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the chance of spreading the virus.
Schedule Wart Treatment in St. Louis
If you are dealing with painful or persistent plantar warts, the team at St. Louis Foot & Ankle is here to help. Our experienced podiatrists provide safe, effective treatment options to restore comfort and foot health.
📞 Call St. Louis Foot & Ankle at (314) 596-9670 today to schedule your appointment.