Plantar Warts

Plantar verruca, commonly known as plantar warts are unsightly lesions on the bottom of the foot caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Plantar verruca can be contagious and some people are more susceptible to developing them, than others. They may be painful if squeezed or located on a weight bearing area of the foot. They may also spread to other areas of the foot if left untreated.

Causes

Warts are benign lesions that appear anywhere on the body. They result from a particular virus that uses humans as a host and lives within their skin. Verrucae Pedis (medical name) is caused by an infection known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Warts are commonly caught from public wet areas, such as change rooms, showers, spas and pools.

Warts may be a sign that your immune system is compromised. It is therefore wise to address this as part of your ongoing management.

Note: Verruca are most common in children and young adults.

Treatments

  • Good foot health and hygiene

  • Change your socks every day

  • Avoid walking barefooted in public

  • Wear thongs in wet areas and baths

  • Maintain a healthy immune system

  • If you’re feeling run down, take a quality

  • Practitioner Brand Zinc-Vitamin C supplement

  • Never wear other people’s shoes or socks

Children are more prone to contracting warts. If you have concerns about a child who has contracted Plantar Warts then talk to one of our child-friendly Podiatrists.

Treatment

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis will depend on the severity of the diagnosis by your podiatrist. The range of options includes:

• From complete rest (R.I.C.E.) Treat - Ice - Elevation - Compression to the modification of current activities.

• Physical Therapy: heat or cold or a mixture. i.e ice for 5 minutes every hour when acute.

• Massage Therapy: Massage with a tennis ball, golf ball or Pedi Roller for 10 mins several times daily or as prescribed by your podiatrist

• Calf Stretching (hold the stretch for 10 seconds > do 10 repetitions 1-2 daily until pain subsides)

• Foot Wear assessment and recommendations of supportive shoes for your foot type and condition

• Inclusion of high quality supplements: - Zinc, Vit C and Magnesium. ‘Inflamood’ to help manage the situation better.

• Orthotic Therapy or heel lifts

• Taping, Strapping, Compression Socks (Fs-6)

• Night Splints to keep the foot in a dorsi-flexed position during sleep, improve muscle flexibility and decrease pain on walking.

• Extracorporeal Radial Shock Wave for fast pain relief and healing.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen

• Anti-inflammatory injections of corticosteroids

• Surgery (last resort)

Take the first step!