Foot Warts Doctor Santa Monica, CA

Plantar Warts

Our Santa Monica, CA foot warts doctor understands how to treat the frustrating and uncomfortable issue of foot warts, or plantar warts. Warts can impact a foot’s appearance and also result in pain and discomfort, especially if a wart is large or if there is a frequent amount on the foot. While this condition may cause embarrassment for many people who suffer from them, it is important to seek treatment as necessary. It is not only a cosmetic issue, but it can cause a good amount of pain and discomfort. To receive personalized medical advice regarding warts, look to our skilled SoCal Sports Podiatry doctor for further information.

What Are Foot Warts

Plantar warts are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can enter the foot through a cut or wound, resulting in an infection that turns into a wart that does not go away. It can take several months for a plantar wart to form once the infection has started.

Plantar warts can also be spread by another person who has warts through skin to skin contact.

They are commonly spread in places like gyms or school locker rooms where people walk barefoot or share personal items. To avoid getting foot warts, do not share items like towels or socks in public places so that you do not get an infection.

Symptoms Of Foot Warts

There are several symptoms to watch out for if you are looking for signs of plantar warts. Plantar warts can be in a variety of sizes and colors. They can form individually or in clusters. The warts can be anywhere on the sole of the foot, but typically form on the heel or ball of the foot. They can also form near the toes. The warts can appear as a rough and thick patch of skin that is slightly raised. Its color can be lighter than the surrounding skin, or can appear in shades like brown, pink, or yellow. An experienced doctor can examine your foot and as they review all symptoms.

Treating Foot Warts

Foot warts can be treated in a variety of ways, from over-the-counter products to prescribed medications and in-patient procedures. The amount of plantar warts that you have as well as the severity of your condition will determine the type of treatment that you receive. Most warts can be treated through simple methods like drugstore ointments and freezing sprays that can get rid of the wart. Other types of warts may require more specialized treatments, such as immunotherapy. You should not attempt to self-diagnose plantar warts, and before starting any type of treatment you should first consult with one of our board-certified doctors.

Consult With Our Qualified Doctors

When you have your initial consultation from our doctors at SoCal Sports Podiatry, you can expect to receive nothing less than highest quality care. Regardless of what type of foot injury or condition that you have, you will be in good hands. We have the knowledge and experience to provide a treatment plan that works for you. Receive the care and guidance you need to get relief from your plantar warts and speak with our Santa Monica, CA foot warts doctor as soon as possible.

How Untreated Foot Warts Can Lead To Medical Problems

Foot warts, also known as plantar warts, are small growths on the soles of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they might seem like a minor nuisance, leaving foot warts untreated can lead to several medical complications, impacting your daily life and overall health. Understanding these risks highlights the importance of seeking treatment from a Santa Monica, CA foot warts doctor to avoid more severe issues. The medical team at SoCal Sports Podiatry can help.

Increased Pain And Discomfort

Plantar warts are typically located on weight-bearing areas of the feet, such as the heels or balls of the feet. Because of this, untreated foot warts can become painful over time. As the wart grows inward due to the pressure from walking or standing, it can push deeper into the skin, irritating nerves and causing significant discomfort. The pain can become so intense that it affects a person’s ability to walk, exercise, or engage in other physical activities. In some cases, people may change their walking patterns to avoid putting pressure on the wart, which can lead to other issues, such as joint and muscle pain.

Spreading Of Warts

Untreated foot warts are contagious and can easily spread to other areas of the foot or even to other parts of the body. The virus that causes plantar warts thrives in warm, moist environments, making it easy for the infection to spread in communal spaces like showers, locker rooms, or swimming pools. Foot warts can spread through direct contact with the wart or by touching surfaces that have come into contact with the virus.

Multiple warts, known as mosaic warts, can develop in clusters and become more challenging to treat as the infection spreads. The more warts that appear, the more difficult it can be to eliminate them and the longer the treatment process may take.

Risk Of Infection

A Santa Monica foot warts doctor knows that one of the most serious potential complications of untreated foot warts is the risk of developing a secondary infection. Warts can break open or develop fissures, especially in dry skin, creating an entry point for bacteria. Bacteria entering the body through these openings can lead to an infection that causes redness, swelling, and pus formation around the wart. In severe cases, this infection can spread to deeper tissues, requiring more aggressive medical interventions such as antibiotics or surgery.

People with compromised immune systems, such as those with diabetes or autoimmune diseases, are especially vulnerable to infections and may experience more severe complications if foot warts are left untreated.

Reduced Mobility And Quality Of Life

Over time, the pain and discomfort associated with untreated foot warts can significantly affect a person’s mobility and quality of life. Walking, running, or standing for extended periods may become increasingly difficult. For those who rely on physical activity for their work or personal life, this loss of mobility can be particularly debilitating.

In an attempt to relieve the pain, individuals may alter their gait or posture, which can lead to further complications such as joint, back, or hip pain. This compensation can also increase the risk of injury, as the body is forced to move in unnatural ways to avoid pain from the warts.

Potential For Recurrence

Treating warts early improves the chances of eliminating them, but leaving them untreated increases the likelihood of recurrence. The virus that causes plantar warts can remain in the body, making it possible for new warts to appear even after the initial wart has gone away. The longer a wart remains untreated, the deeper it can grow into the skin, making treatment more complex and increasing the likelihood that it will return after treatment.

Call A Foot Warts Doctor For Treatment Options

Although foot warts might seem like a minor issue at first, failing to treat them can lead to significant medical problems. Seeking treatment early from a Santa Monica foot warts doctor can prevent these complications and help restore comfort, function, and quality of life. If you suspect foot warts, call SoCal Sports Podiatry to explore your treatment options and avoid the risks of leaving them untreated.

Common Foot Wart Myths Debunked

A Santa Monica, CA foot warts doctor has the experience needed to address some of the most prevalent myths surrounding foot warts, providing clarity on what to expect if you’re dealing with them. While warts are common, especially on the feet, misconceptions about them persist. These myths often lead to confusion about how to treat them or whether they pose a serious issue.

Warts Are Only A Cosmetic Problem

One of the most widespread myths is that foot warts are purely cosmetic and don’t require medical attention. While it’s true that some warts may not cause immediate pain or discomfort, leaving them untreated can lead to complications. Warts on the bottom of the foot, also known as plantar warts, often grow inward due to pressure from walking. Over time, this can cause significant discomfort and even affect your gait. Ignoring a wart can allow it to spread or worsen, so it’s important to take action early.

Only Kids Get Warts

Another common misconception is that warts are a problem primarily for children. While children are indeed more prone to warts due to their developing immune systems and higher likelihood of skin injuries, adults are by no means immune. According to Santa Monica foot warts doctors, anyone who comes into contact with the virus that causes warts (the human papillomavirus, or HPV) can develop them. This includes adults with healthy immune systems, especially if they walk barefoot in public areas like gyms, pools, or communal showers.

Warts Are Highly Contagious

While it’s true that warts are caused by a virus, they are not as contagious as many believe. You won’t automatically develop a wart just by brushing up against someone who has one. The virus requires a break in the skin, such as a cut or scrape, to take hold. Also, the likelihood of transmission is higher in moist environments. That’s why it’s always a good idea to wear footwear in public spaces and keep your feet dry. But there’s no need to fear that every slight contact with someone’s wart will lead to an outbreak.

Home Remedies Are Always Effective

There’s a lot of advice floating around about home remedies for warts—everything from duct tape to banana peels. While some of these methods may have anecdotal success stories, there is no concrete medical evidence supporting their effectiveness. In many cases, these treatments can take a long time to work, if they work at all. Warts often need consistent, targeted treatment that professional care can provide. Consulting with a Santa Monica foot warts doctor will ensure that the wart is treated appropriately, reducing the chances of recurrence.

Take Action For Healthier Feet

If you’ve been dealing with a stubborn foot wart or have questions about treatment options, don’t hesitate to contact our patient-centered, Santa Monica foot warts doctors. At SoCal Sports Podiatry, we are here to help you get the care you need and restore your comfort. Schedule a consultation with one of our Board-Certified Podiatrists and let’s work together to keep your feet healthy and wart-free!