What are the prevention/treatment options? In severe cases, they can cause a change in gait or posture that results in leg or back pain–our job is to make sure that doesn’t happen. If left untreated, plantar warts can grow up to 1 inch in circumference and may spread into clusters called mosaic warts. When first diagnosed, individuals often feel a “lump” on the bottom of the foot when standing, similar to having a stone in a shoe. Having a weakened immune system (this can be due to a variety of conditions, from illnesses to immune-suppressing drugs).

It makes sense then, that children and teens are susceptible to warts.

Repeated HPV exposure, like walking barefoot in public locker rooms and common public areas.

There are a few risk factors associated with plantar warts, ranging from not-so serious to bigger problem.

Pain or tenderness when standing or walking.

Thickened skin (otherwise known as a callus on the foot) over the wart if it has grown inward.

The growths can appear fleshy and rough.

In addition to their rough and spongy appearance, there are a few other characteristics to look out for: In some cases, the plantar warts can be transmitted to the feet from other areas of the body. This easily contractible virus can live on contaminated surfaces, such as tile floors of public lockers rooms, showers, and swimming pools. Plantar warts can occur when the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) invades the body through the bottom of the feet, typically through cuts or breaks on the skin.

However, you may need to have them removed by a doctor. We know, sounds scary! The good news is, most plantar warts aren’t a very serious health concern, and can go away without treatment with self-care. Their rough and spongy appearance makes them stick out, and most are gray, brown, or yellow with dark pinpoints (which are typically tiny capillaries that supply blood to the wart). Warts can appear on pretty much any part of the body, but it’s no surprise that we treat the ones that occur on feet–specifically plantar warts. These growths can pop up on the sole, heel, or ball of the foot, and are generally easily identifiable.

While the pesky little growths can appear menacing, they are a benign (noncancerous) problem. The condition that is actually as unsightly as its name.

Wort on top of toe