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Foot Warts

Expert Diagnosis & Treatment from Vale Foot and Ankle

If you have been feeling a rough bump or painful spot on the bottom of your foot, it could be more than just a callus. Plantar warts, also known as foot warts, are a common yet stubborn skin condition caused by a virus; often, professional care is required for complete resolution.

At Vale Foot and Ankle, we treat foot warts in patients of all ages with safe, effective treatments that work even when over-the-counter options haven’t.

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What are Foot Warts?

Plantar warts are small, grainy skin growths that develop on the bottom of the feet, typically on weight-bearing areas like the heels or balls of the feet. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or cracks.

Because the wart is pushed inward by pressure from walking, it may appear flat with a rough surface and small black dots, which are clotted blood vessels. Some foot warts may grow alone; others may occur in clusters called mosaic warts.

Symptoms of Foot Warts

Foot warts may feel different to everyone. You may have:

  • a small, rough bump on the bottom of the foot
  • Tenderness, or pain when walking or standing
  • A callus-like area with a wart underneath
  • Tiny dark dots-also called “wart seeds”
  • Discomfort when barefoot, especially on hard surfaces


In children, foot warts are common and usually harmless, but can spread or become painful if left untreated.

How Do Foot Warts Develop?

Foot warts are contagious, but not everyone who comes into contact with the HPV virus develops them. The virus tends to thrive in warm, moist environments such as:

  • Public showers and locker rooms
  • Swimming pool decks
  • Gym floors or shared yoga mats


You can get the virus by walking barefoot in these areas. People who have small skin breaks, cracked heels, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing warts.

When to See a Podiatrist

Although some plantar warts may resolve spontaneously, many do not, and OTC treatments usually are unable to penetrate the wart deeply enough. Consider making an appointment if:

The wart is painful or growing

  • You have tried home treatments without improvement
  • You’re not sure if it’s a wart or something else, such as a corn or cyst
  • You have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system


Prompt evaluation prevents unnecessary discomfort and halts the virus from spreading.

Treatment for Foot Warts at Vale Foot and Ankle

We have several in-office treatments for plantar warts, depending on your age, health history, and wart severity:

  • Topical medications: Prescription-strength solutions that break down wart tissue
  • Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy infected skin
  • Debridement: Application of acids to remove layers of warts very gently..
  • Surgical Removal: This may be recommended for stubborn or deep-seated warts through minor excision.
  • Laser treatment: In selected cases, this can target wart tissue with minimal damage to surrounding skin.


Our podiatrists will guide you through your options and develop a treatment plan tailored to your comfort level and lifestyle.

Preventing Future Foot Warts

Once you’ve had a plantar wart, it’s possible to develop another one. These tips can help reduce your risk:

  • Always wear flip-flops in public showers or pool areas
  • Don’t share socks, shoes, or nail clippers
  • Keep your feet dry and clean.
  • Warts: Avoid picking to prevent spreading
  • Change socks daily and alternate shoes to reduce moisture


If your child has warts, make sure he or she knows not to touch them or scratch them, and don’t delay treatment if they’re painful.

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Get Relief from Foot Warts in Connecticut

Foot warts may be tiny, but they sure can make a big difference in comfort and mobility. At Vale Foot and Ankle, we treat these with care, skill, and the goal for long-term relief.

Contact us today to book an appointment. If you have a stubborn wart or even if you just want peace of mind, we are here to help your feet feel better again.

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