Warts result from infection by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). As infections go, warts aren’t serious. Usually, they’re just a cosmetic issue, a rough and fleshy growth that may cause callused skin in the surrounding area.
On your feet, they’re called plantar warts, most often forming on the heel, but occasionally on the bottoms of toes or the balls of your feet. Because of the load placed on your feet daily, plantar warts can be pressed inward.
If you’re bothered by the appearance of plantar warts, or if you’re one of the rare people who develop complications, it may be time to visit Errol Gindi D.P.M. for professional treatment and removal. Warts often respond well to home care, but sometimes it’s just not enough.
Do warts go away on their own?
In many cases, your warts disappear on their own, over time, though it may be months or years. If you aren’t bothered by the appearance of your wart and if it’s not causing discomfort or pain, you can ignore it until it disappears. However, there are reasons when it’s best to make an appointment with Dr. Gindi and his team.
When should I see a podiatrist about my warts?
You can often get results using over the counter home care products that include salicylic acid in a patch or consumer-grade cryotherapy kits made for warts. There’s even an approach that uses silver duct tape. While it has little research or testing behind it, there’s no risk in trying these homemade bandages.
There are some situations, though, where it’s best to trust your wart to Dr. Gindi. These include when:
- You’re not sure that a lesion is a plantar wart
- Home care isn’t effective
- Your wart regrows after home removal
- The wart bleeds
- The wart changes in appearance
- You have discomfort or pain that interferes with normal activities
- You have diabetes or other conditions affecting nerves and circulation
- You’re taking drugs that suppress immune system response
- You have a condition that weakens immune system response
It’s possible for a plantar wart to subtly change your gait, resulting in ankle, knee, or hip pain that you may not associate with the wart. If you have unexplained joint pain as well as plantar warts, discuss this with Dr. Gindi.
Reducing the effects of plantar warts
If you have plantar warts but there seem to be no connected symptoms, you can improve your chances of avoiding complications by considering your footwear. Put comfort ahead of fashion and avoid shoes that are uncomfortable, no matter how stylish.
Choosing shoes with well-cushioned support, or adding cushioned insoles can take some of the pressure off plantar wart hot spots. This helps prevent ingrowth, which could lead to painful warts. Treating heel calluses by soaking and scrubbing with a pumice stone may also help reduce further wart problems.
Contact Errol Gindi D.P.M. for next-level treatment and removal of plantar warts and help with any complications warts may have generated. Dr. Gindi has two locations for your convenience, in Valley Stream and Hicksville, New York. You can request an appointment using the online link or you can call the closest office directly. Book your plantar wart session now.