Foot pain can be frustrating—especially when it’s caused by something as persistent and uncomfortable as a plantar wart. These small, tough growths often appear on the soles of the feet and can make everyday activities like walking or standing painful. At Aslan Health, we’re here to help you understand what plantar warts are, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from coming back.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts (also called verrucae) are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or weak spots on the bottom of your feet. Unlike common warts that appear on hands or fingers, plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure of walking and standing. This can create a painful, pebble-like sensation under your heel or ball of the foot.
How Do You Know It’s a Plantar Wart?
Plantar warts can often be mistaken for corns or calluses, but there are some telltale signs:
- A small, rough growth on the sole of your foot, often with a black dot in the center (clotted blood vessels)
- Thickened, hard skin over the area
- Pain when walking or standing
- A tendency to grow in clusters (mosaic warts)
If you’re unsure, our providers at Aslan Health can help you determine if it’s a plantar wart and recommend the best treatment options.
Who Gets Plantar Warts?
Anyone can get plantar warts, but they’re more common in:
- Children and teenagers
- People with weakened immune systems
- Individuals who frequently walk barefoot in public places (like locker rooms or pool decks)
HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why communal showers and pools are common places for infection.
Treatment Options
While some plantar warts go away on their own, many persist or cause enough discomfort that treatment is necessary. At Aslan Health, we offer several treatment options:
- Topical medications: Salicylic acid treatments help peel away the wart over time.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen encourages it to fall off.
- Minor procedures: For stubborn warts, our provider may use a minor in-office procedure to remove it.
We’ll work with you to choose the most appropriate, cost-effective, and comfortable solution for your needs.
Preventing Plantar Warts
Preventing plantar warts is all about protecting your feet and practicing good hygiene:
- Always wear flip-flops or shower shoes in public places like gyms or pools.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Don’t share shoes, socks, or towels with others.
- Avoid touching warts—on yourself or others—as the virus can spread by contact.
We’re Here to Help
If you or your child is dealing with foot pain or a suspicious growth, don’t wait for it to get worse. At Aslan Health, we provide affordable walk-in care, same-day appointments, and compassionate support rooted in whole-person healing—body, mind, and spirit.
Call us at 320-297-6800 or visit aslanclinic.com to book your appointment.