Warts Specialist
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AZ Choice Foot and Ankle
Christopher Suykerbuyk, DPM
Podiatrist & Foot & Ankle Surgeon located in Gilbert, AZ
You can choose to treat your own warts or wait for them to go away on their own. That process can take years, though, and in the meantime, warts can spread and cause pain that interferes with walking and staying active. At AZ Choice Foot and Ankle in Gilbert, Arizona, Christopher Suykerbuyk, DPM, has years of experience identifying warts, treating them, and helping you prevent a recurrent problem. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.
Warts Q&A
What causes warts?
Warts are small growths that can appear anywhere on your body. When they occur on your feet, they’re called plantar warts.
Plantar warts grow on the soles of your feet. Like other warts, plantar warts develop when the human papillomavirus gets through a crack, cut, or sore in your skin.
You may have a single plantar wart that gets larger or clusters of several small warts that grow close together.
Am I at risk for warts?
The human papillomavirus thrives in dark, moist places. You may pick up the virus when you use a public shower or walk around a locker room, swimming pool, or on the grass in your bare feet.
Your shoes also create an environment for viral growth. They’re warm and dark, and moisture from sweating stays trapped in the shoe.
What symptoms develop if I have warts?
Plantar warts can be hard to recognize because they have a rough texture that resembles a callus or corn. If you look closely, you may notice black dots near the center of the wart.
Most people find that their plantar warts are painful when they walk or stand. Squeezing the side of the wart typically causes pain. Plantar warts can also grow up into your skin, making it feel like you have a small stone in your shoe.
You should also be aware that a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma can grow on your feet and might resemble a plantar wart. The difference between them is that skin cancer could be itchy, but it’s not painful.
How are warts treated?
Plantar warts eventually clear up on their own. However, that can take years, and since plantar warts are painful, most people decide to see Dr. Suykerbuyk for removal.
Dr. Suykerbuyk may suggest using medicated patches that eliminate warts in a few weeks. You also have the option of an in-office procedure to remove them, such as:
- Trimming or shaving away the wart
- Applying topical medications
- Freezing the wart (cryotherapy)
- Using medications to stimulate your immune response
Some treatments only remove the top part of the wart. While this prevents scarring, you will need regular treatments until the entire wart is gone.
If you struggle with pain on the bottom of your foot or you want to have a wart removed, call AZ Choice Foot and Ankle or schedule an appointment online today.
