What Are Warts?
Warts are small skin growths that have a rough texture and often resemble a small cauliflower. They occur when a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters the body through an microscopic opening in your skin. When the human body detects the existence of a wart, it responds by attempting to create a protective callus. Warts can occur from direct contact with infected persons or indirect contact from a surface touched by that person. Children and adults who have a compromised immune system are most likely to get warts compared to adults with fully developed or healthy immune systems.
Many patients also report the appearance of miniature, black dots, which are actually the small blood vessels bringing oxygen and other nutrients to the affected area. There is also a common misconception that warts are cancerous, but these skin eruptions are benign. The podiatrists at Ryan Foot and Ankle can diagnose whether you are suffering from a wart, often mistaken as a corn or callous.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts, or verrucas, occur on the bottom of the foot and can be very painful. They have a flattened appearance due to the pressure of your body weight. Walking or standing can be unbearably painful with the pressure from wearing shoes. Especially when left untreated for long periods of time, the pain from plantar warts tends to increase toward nearly intolerable limits.
How Are Warts Treated?
Often, your immune system will fight the virus and the wart will go away on it’s own. If you have been suffering from a wart for a period of time, you should seek medical care from a podiatrist. Our doctors will evaluate the wart and your symptoms, and develop a treatment plan just for you. Ryan Foot and Ankle Clinic has treated thousands of warts successfully in patients of all ages. Most treatments are performed in our office and are usually painless.
If a plantar wart is keeping you from activities you enjoy, give us a call at one of our 5 local podiatry offices in Charlotte, Concord and Harrisburg today for more information or to schedule an appointment.