If you have unsightly or painful warts on your foot or on the soles of your feet, visit Dr. Mukesh Bhakta or Dr. Anam Ali at Prince William Foot & Ankle Center in Gainesville, VA also servicing Dulles, VA at South Riding Foot & Ankle Center.

What Causes Foot Warts?

Foot warts are caused by a viral infection that invades the body through small cuts or abrasions in the foot. Sometimes, walking on dirty surfaces or littered ground can make contracting the virus more likely.

Warts can develop on different areas of the foot. They will look and feel different depending on where they grow. For example, warts on the top of the foot are raised and fleshy. They may disappear and reappear in the same location somewhat frequently.

Warts on the bottom or sole of the foot are hard, flat, and rough. They may be gray or brown with black in the center. Simply touching, scratching, or spreading blood from the infected areas may cause more of these warts to grow. On weight-bearing areas of the foot, a sharp, burning pain may occur.

Your Gainesville, VA and Dulles, VA podiatrists, Dr. Bhakta or Dr. Ali at Prince William Foot & Ankle Center and at South Riding Foot & Ankle Center can provide relief from burning, itching, or pain caused by foot warts and recommend treatment to get rid of them for good.

How Are Foot Warts Treated?

While warts can be hard to treat, over-the-counter wart medicines may make the condition even worse by damaging healthy tissue on the foot. Effective treatment begins with an appointment with your podiatrist who can assess the severity of the infection and recommend the next steps.

To treat the infection, your podiatrist may recommend prescription ointments, medications, or, in cases where the warts are resistant to treatment or the situation is urgent, laser cautery.

If you’re experiencing recurring, painful warts that make walking difficult and want to learn more about your treatment options, call (703) 753-3338 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bhakta or Dr. Ali at your Gainesville, VA Prince William Foot & Ankle Center. For the Dulles, VA office at South Riding Foot & Ankle Center, call (703) 753-3338.