Foot & Ankle Surgery located in Fort Worth, TX
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Warts

Plantar warts, also known as verrucae, appear on the soles of the feet and are one of several soft tissue conditions that can be quite painful. Unlike other foot warts, plantar warts tend to be hard and flat, with a rough surface and well-defined boundaries. They are often gray or brown (but the color may vary), with a center that appears as one or more pinpoints of black.

Causes

Plantar Warts are caused by just a few of the many Strains of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This Virus can be contracted Communally, but it is now also known to be able to cross the Placental Barrier as is the case with most young children who develop warts. The virus lays Dormant for many years till an individuals immune system has a weak period allowing the virus to present itself.

A wart is caused by a viral infection which invades the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. If left untreated, warts can grow to an inch or more in circumference and can spread into clusters of warts. Children, especially teenagers, tend to be more susceptible to warts than adults.

Symptoms

Plantar warts that develop on the weight-bearing areas of the foot (the ball or heel of the foot) can cause a sharp, burning pain. Pain occurs when weight is brought to bear directly on the wart, although pressure on the side of a wart can create equally intense pain. Warts develop in areas of pressure or inflammation in most instances.

Foot warts are generally raised and fleshy and can appear anywhere on the foot or toes. Occasionally, warts can spontaneously disappear after a short time, and then, just as frequently, they recur in the same location.

Treatment

It is important to note that warts can be very resistant to treatment and have a tendency to reoccur (Since the virus lives in our Blood Stream and there is no known current cure for it!). Over-the-counter foot wart treatments are usually ineffective simply because they cannot penetrate deeply enough.

Please contact our office for help in effectively treating warts. Our practice is expert in recommending the best treatment for each patient, ranging from Simple Removal and prescription ointments to, in most cases, a Simple 5 minute Laser Ablation Procedure.