How to Treat Plantar Warts: Expert Podiatry Advice for Stubborn Foot Warts

If you’ve noticed a small, rough bump on the bottom of your foot that feels like you’re stepping on a pebble, you may have a plantar wart. Though often harmless, plantar warts can be painful, stubborn, and surprisingly contagious.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we frequently treat patients struggling with plantar warts that don’t go away with at-home remedies. Understanding what causes them — and how to treat them effectively — can help you find lasting relief.

What Are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts (also called verrucae plantaris) are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet, typically on weight-bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. Unlike warts on other parts of the body, plantar warts grow inward, pushed into the skin by the pressure of walking and standing.

They may look flat or callused, with tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) on the surface. Some people experience pain when walking or standing — especially when the wart develops over a pressure point.

What Causes Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) — the same family of viruses that cause warts on the hands and other parts of the body. The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, cracks, or weak spots, often on the bottom of the feet.

There are over 100 different types of HPV, but only a few cause plantar warts. Most infections occur in warm, moist environments such as:

• Public locker rooms and showers

• Swimming pool decks

• Gym floors

• Shared changing areas

Walking barefoot in these places increases your risk of contracting the virus.

Are Plantar Warts Contagious?

Yes — plantar warts are highly contagious, though they spread more easily through indirect contact than from person to person. You can catch the virus by:

• Walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces

• Sharing towels, socks, or shoes with someone who has warts

• Touching or picking at your own wart and then another area of your skin

However, not everyone who comes into contact with HPV will develop warts. Factors that increase your risk include:

• Weakened immune system

• Sweaty feet or excessive moisture

• Small cuts or abrasions on the soles

• Frequently walking barefoot

Common Symptoms of Plantar Warts

You might have a plantar wart if you notice:

• A small, rough, grainy bump on the bottom of your foot

• Pain or tenderness when standing or walking

• A callus or thickened skin over a small spot

• Tiny black dots (clotted capillaries) in the center of the wart

• The feeling of “something in your shoe” even when barefoot

Warts may appear singly or in clusters, called mosaic warts, which can be more difficult to treat.

How Podiatrists Diagnose Plantar Warts

At your appointment, your podiatrist will perform a visual examination of the lesion. They may:

• Gently pare down the area to look for pinpoint bleeding or black dots

• Use a dermatoscope for magnified inspection

• Differentiate plantar warts from calluses, corns, or cysts

• In rare cases, recommend a biopsy if the lesion looks unusual or doesn’t respond to treatment

Treatment Options for Plantar Warts

While some plantar warts may eventually disappear on their own, many persist or multiply without proper care. Because plantar warts grow inward and sit beneath layers of thick skin, over-the-counter treatments are often ineffective.

Your podiatrist can offer several safe, effective treatment options:

1. Prescription Topical Medications

Stronger acids (such as salicylic acid) or immunotherapy creams can gradually remove wart tissue and stimulate your immune system to fight the virus.

2. Cryotherapy (Freezing Treatment)

Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the wart, causing the tissue to blister and slough off. Multiple sessions may be needed for complete removal.

3. Laser Therapy

High-intensity light targets and destroys the blood supply feeding the wart, leading to its gradual disappearance. This is ideal for resistant or multiple warts.

4. Surgical Removal

For deep or painful warts, your podiatrist may perform a minor in-office procedure to excise the wart under local anesthesia.

5. Immunotherapy and Chemical Treatments

Some treatments work by stimulating your body’s immune response to the virus or applying chemical agents that destroy the infected tissue.

Home Care Tips (and What to Avoid)

While waiting for or recovering from treatment, follow these steps to protect your feet:

• Keep feet clean and dry.

• Change socks daily.

• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas.

• Don’t pick or scratch at warts — this spreads the virus.

• Use shower shoes in locker rooms or shared showers.

• Disinfect your shoes and avoid sharing them.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should visit a podiatrist if:

• The wart is painful or interferes with walking.

• You have multiple or spreading warts.

• You have diabetes or poor circulation.

• Home treatments haven’t worked.

• The lesion bleeds, changes color, or looks suspicious.

Prompt treatment not only speeds up recovery but also prevents the virus from spreading to others or other parts of your body.

The Bottom Line

Plantar warts are common, contagious, and often more stubborn than they appear. While they can be frustrating, professional podiatric care can effectively eliminate them and restore comfort to your step.

✅ At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer safe, proven treatments for plantar warts — from advanced laser therapy to custom care plans tailored to your skin type and activity level. Don’t let foot pain or embarrassment slow you down —Contact our office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.