That painful wart on your foot could be a plantar wart. A plantar wart is a hard, grainy growth that appears on the bottom of the foot, often on weight-bearing areas like the heel or ball of the foot. Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause and enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks.
Plantar Wart ![Painful wart pain]()
Plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure from standing and walking. This can cause pain that feels like you're stepping on a pebble, especially if the wart is located in a high-pressure area. Plantar warts often:
- Have a rough surface with small black dots
- Disrupt your normal skin lines
- Are painful when pinched or squeezed
- May be surrounded by thickened skin or callus
Plamtar Wart Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Topical medications
- Cryotherapy
- Minor surgical removal
Over-the-counter options can work for some, but professional treatment is more effective and quicker.
Plantar Wart Prevention
Tips to lower your risk of developing a plantar wart:
- Wear shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas
- Avoid sharing shoes and socks
- Keep your feet dry and clean
- Don't pick at warts (it can spread the virus)
