Warts Specialist

Warts on the feet are as painful as they are a nuisance. With locations in Kingston, New Windsor, Wappingers Falls, Hudson, and West Coxsackie, New York, the board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons at Hudson Valley Foot Associates treat plantar warts on the bottom of the feet. From laser and chemical treatments to surgical removal, Hudson Valley Foot Associates offers the most effective solutions for plantar warts. Call the location nearest you or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What are warts?

Warts are grainy growths that can develop nearly anywhere on the body. Plantar warts affect the feet. They can grow on the ankles but most commonly affect the bottom of the feet. These types of warts thrive in moist environments, especially under pressure. 

Plantar warts are often difficult to diagnose because they’re not as visible as other types of warts. They often hide beneath thick, callused skin. You may mistake a plantar wart for a corn or callus. The sooner you seek treatment for a plantar wart, the sooner you can alleviate your discomfort.

What are the symptoms of warts?

Common signs of plantar warts include:

• A fleshy bump on the sole, ball of the foot, or toe
• Black specks on the growth (blood vessels)
• Pain or discomfort when standing or walking
• A hard, thickened patch of skin

Many plantar warts grow over time and become uncomfortable. If a plantar wart interferes with your daily activities, the doctors at Hudson Valley Foot Associates can relieve your discomfort.

What causes warts?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes plantar warts on the feet. The virus infects your skin through small cuts or lesions. Many strains of HPV exist, but those that affect the feet aren’t as easily transmissible as others. The virus thrives in warm, damp areas. You’re more likely to develop plantar warts from HPV if you:

• Walk barefoot through common areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools
• Are a child or teenager
• Have a weakened immune system from diabetes or other chronic conditions
• Have experienced plantar warts in the past

After a comprehensive evaluation, your doctor can determine the best treatment to remove your plantar wart.

What are the treatments for warts?

While common warts often respond well to at-home wart removal, plantar warts are more difficult to treat. A trained podiatrist is essential to bypass callused skin and remove the wart. Depending on the severity of your wart, your doctor may apply a chemical treatment to remove the lesion layer by layer.

Laser wart removal destroys the blood vessels inside the lesion to stop its blood supply. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the wart completely.

Call Hudson Valley Foot Associates or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about warts.