Posted by & filed under Uncategorized

Plantar warts on your feet result from a virus that is introduced through a cut or crack in the skin. They are usually flat and round, unlike warts that occur on the hands or other parts of the body. They are often mistaken for a corn or callus. Our bunion specialist in Bethesda, MD, explains more about how they are treated. 

Identifying Plantar Warts

Plantar warts generally appear on the ball or heel of your foot, where you put the most pressure from walking. They may feel rough or grainy to the touch and have small black dots in the center. They can occur alone or in clusters, stay small, or grow large. It is essential to determine if you have a wart or a callus before attempting to treat it.

Callus or Wart?

Many people mistake a wart for a callus. However, warts have unique features that calluses do not, including small black dots, well-defined lines, and pain when squeezed side-to-side. On the other hand, a callus:

  • Has no dots
  • Is painful when pushed on directly 

Causes of Warts

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the skin and can lead to multiple warts – either in different spots or grouped in a cluster. They can be very uncomfortable and unsightly. Sometimes warts may go away on their own, or you can remove them with an over-the-counter treatment. If at-home treatments do not work or the wart continues to grow (or multiply), it’s important to visit our podiatrist for an evaluation.

Additionally, people with diabetes or neuropathy of the feet should not use these drugstore treatments and should instead visit our podiatrist to have it professionally removed.

Contact Our Bunion Specialist in Bethesda, MD, Today To Find Out More!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other podiatry-related topics, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center by clicking here or by calling 301-232-3764.


Comments are closed .

Dr. Ross is outstanding!—Carol A.
Read Reviews
The reviews listed are from actual patients of The Podiatry Center. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
Don’t Miss Dr. Paul Ross' Best-Selling Books
Foot and ankle conditions can impact your life in many ways. Dr. Ross has written The Plantar Fasciitis Solution to help you make sense of your Plantar Fasciitis condition and provide hope that it is treatable. He has also authored My Damn Toes Hurt to provide a complete guide towards ending Hammer Toe pain. Download your free copies today before scheduling your appointment with our experts!
What To Expect At Your First Visit Have Your Questions Answered & Discuss Your Goals
  • Discuss Your Goals
  • Complete Exam & Diagnosis
  • Discover Your Options
Over 250,000 Patients Helped Since 1980 Are You Experiencing Foot Or Ankle Pain? We Can Help!
We Service The Following DC Metro Areas & Beyond
  • Annandale, VA
  • Alexandria, VA
  • Woodbridge, VA
  • Fairfax, VA
  • Burke, VA
  • Potomac, MD
  • Chevy Chase, MD
  • Silver Spring, MD
  • Rockville, MD
  • Gaithersburg, MD
  • Washington, DC
The Bethesda Medical Building (301) 656-6055 8218 Wisconsin Ave Suite P-14, Bethesda, MD 20814 Get Directions Monday-Thursday 7:30am-4pm Friday 7:30am-1pm
Premier Plaza I (703) 451-2977 6120 Brandon Ave Suite 109, Springfield, VA 22150 Get Directions Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm Friday 8am-1pm (Hours may vary)
Connect with Us