Warts often grow hidden under the skin where there is pressure, so the bottom of the foot is a common location for warts. They grow in the wide arch tissue called the plantar fascia and are therefore called plantar warts. Since they can be confused with other skin conditions and are difficult to treat properly, be sure to see your foot doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment recommendations. There are several ways to treat a painful hidden foot wart.

3 ways to treat a painful hidden plantar wart includes the following: 

1. Cryotherapy—This therapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart to remove in large pieces. This therapy also helps prevent bleeding and is often used in conjunction with acid peeling.
2. Acid peeling therapy—Debride the thick skin covering the wart, and the wart melts with high strength acid.
3. Antiviral therapy—Since warts are caused by the ubiquitous human papillomavirus, treating the virus internally and topically with antiviral medications are very effective.

To avoid contact with the virus that causes plantar warts, keep your feet as clean and dry as possible (wear breathable fibers and moisture-wicking socks) and always wear shower shoes or sandals in public places like locker rooms, showers, and pool areas.

If you are experiencing complications with painful, hidden plantar warts, see your podiatrist for the proper care. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.