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Safe and Professional Care for Plantar Wart Removal in St. Catharines
Plantar warts can make simple activities like walking or standing uncomfortable. They are a common nuisance that can affect many people. Warts are generally harmless, but can be painful. Plantar warts may make walking painful. At Orvitz Podiatry Clinic, we provide safe and effective treatments for removing plantar warts, ensuring your feet remain healthy and pain-free. Our team uses evidence-based methods tailored to your condition for optimal results.
Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), making its way through the skin from small cuts and abrasions. Often, the virus is picked up from walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces in public places and warm, moist environments, such as public locker rooms, swimming pools, saunas, and common areas. We recommend that you wear supportive flip flops rather than going barefoot. Warts are also spread by touch, scratching, or contact with the skin shed from another wart. Patients in St. Catharines can find plantar wart relief at Orvitz Podiatry Clinic.
Schedule your appointment today with our podiatry professional for professional plantar wart removal in St. Catharines.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and commonly develop on pressure points such as the heels or balls of the feet. These warts may be flat or raised and can sometimes form in clusters called mosaic warts.
Key characteristics include:
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Rough texture with small black dots (clotted blood vessels).
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Pain when standing or walking.
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Thickened skin over the affected area.
Who Can Get Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts can affect people of all ages, but certain groups are more prone to developing them:
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Children and teenagers: Due to weaker immune systems and frequent exposure in communal areas.
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Athletes: Especially swimmers and gym-goers using public showers or locker rooms.
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Individuals with weakened immunity: Those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts often go unnoticed in the early stages but can cause discomfort over time. Common symptoms include:
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A hard, thickened area on the sole of the foot.
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Black pinpoints (wart seeds) inside the lesion.
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Pain or tenderness when walking or standing.
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Discomfort when applying pressure to the affected foot.
What Are the Causes of Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts develop when HPV enters the skin through tiny cuts, cracks, or abrasions. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making public showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms common sources of infection.
Risk factors include:
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Walking barefoot in communal areas.
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Having minor skin injuries on the feet.
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Sharing footwear or socks.
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Weakened immune system.
Tips for Preventing Warts
Preventing plantar warts requires good foot hygiene and protective measures:
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Wear footwear in public places: Avoid walking barefoot in communal showers, locker rooms, and pool areas.
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Keep feet dry: Change socks regularly and ensure shoes are dry before wearing.
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Avoid sharing personal items: Do not share socks, shoes, or towels with others.
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Cover cuts or scratches: Use a waterproof bandage to protect any open wounds on the feet.
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Maintain healthy skin: Moisturize regularly to prevent cracks where the virus can enter.
How Are Plantar Warts Diagnosed?
At Orvitz Podiatry Clinic, diagnosis involves:
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Visual examination: Identifying classic features such as black dots and thickened skin.
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Debridement test: Removing the top layer of skin to check for blood vessels and wart tissue.
In rare cases, a biopsy may be recommended if the lesion does not respond to standard treatment or appears unusual.
When to Seek Professional Help
Plantar warts often resolve on their own, but professional care is necessary if:
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The wart causes significant pain or interferes with walking.
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There are multiple warts or a mosaic pattern.
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Over-the-counter treatments have failed.
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You have diabetic feet or circulation problems.
Early intervention can prevent the spread of warts and reduce discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about plantar wart removal:
Can I Treat Plantar Warts at Home?
Some over-the-counter options exist, but professional care ensures safe and effective removal, especially for persistent or painful warts.
Are Plantar Warts Contagious?
Yes, they are contagious and can spread in communal areas or through shared personal items like socks and shoes.
How Long Does It Take for Plantar Warts to Go Away after Treatment?
The timeline varies depending on the size, depth, and number of warts, but most patients see improvement within a few weeks after professional treatment.
If you are experiencing persistent heel discomfort, go through our FAQs on plantar fasciitis for insights and treatment options.
Treatment at Our St. Catharines Clinic
When you see something suspicious on your foot, your first step should be to call Orvitz Podiatry Clinic to get a proper diagnosis. Treating a wart yourself at home is not the best option. Many over-the-counter remedies destroy skin cells and can damage healthy skin as well if not applied properly. Also, many warts can be stubborn and will not respond to drugstore treatments. Another reason to go to a professional is that it may instead be a more serious condition, which you may misidentify as a wart.
Additionally, if you have diabetes or a circulatory disorder, you should take special care if you detect any warts on your feet. In those cases, consult a podiatrist rather than attempting any over-the-counter care.
Our Podiatrists offer professional plantar wart removal in St. Catharines using specialized procedures to rid you of the warts once and for all. In cases where a surgical procedure is necessary, a local anesthetic will be administered.
Schedule a Diagnosis
To schedule an appointment to discuss your plantar wart removal in St. Catharines with our podiatrist, contact us today to make an appointment. Our staff in St. Catharines is here to answer your call.