Plantar warts are small lesions usually located on the bottom of the foot. They are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which penetrates the foot via a cut or infection.

Plantar warts hurt and are bothersome. If you try to use a non-approved treatment method, the problem will keep recurring and spreading the virus. So, give Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona a call to administer the right treatment. With recent treatment developments, plantar warts can disappear and even be prevented from returning!

What are Plantar Warts?

A plantar wart is a growth found at the foot sole or toes. Also known as verruca plantaris, again plantar warts are a viral infection caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are many strains of the HPV virus, but only a few cause plantar warts.

You can get the virus by direct or indirect contact with an infected person or surfaces. And since the virus thrives in moist and warm environments, you can get infected by sharing public pools, gym locker rooms, showers, floor surfaces, socks, or shoes with an infected person.

The virus gets into the feet through tiny cuts, skin infections, or abrasions. Teenagers are more prone to the virus due to increased exposure to school pools or staying in contact with infected peers.

Plantar warts can affect anyone, but people with weak immune systems and those who had plantar warts before are at more risk.

What are the Symptoms of Plantar Warts?

HPV grows slowly, so you may not notice warts for several weeks or months. When they are established, their color is typically similar to your skin or lighter than the affected part. But, you may notice small dark, brownish or yellowish spots on wart’s surfaces. Due to the pressure applied from walking, plantar warts become flat and grow inwards.

Patients also experience sharp pain when walking or standing. In severe cases, walking may be difficult. Other symptoms include; thick skin and white lesions on the foot. A health care provider can diagnose the condition by looking at the black dot on your foot.

How are Plantar Warts Treated?

Chemicals and Freezing

The common chemical treatment for warts is salicylic acids. The solution is applied to the skin every day for a few weeks. After application, salicylic acid forms a layer on the affected part. The patient should remove the layer before applying the solution again. During the plantar wart treatment, you can experience mild irritation or slight bleeding.

Freezing or cryotherapy involves freezing off the wart. The doctor applies the liquid nitrogen to the plantar wart using a cotton swab or spraying. This treatment method causes a blister around the affected area, and the dead tissues drop off after a week or so.

Possible side effects of cryotherapy are permanent skin color changes, blisters, and pain.

Swift Therapy

Swift microwave therapy is a new advanced technology for treating warts!

The therapy works by generating heat in the plantar wart. Precise microwave signals are transmitted into the skin to a specific depth, mostly a maximum of 5mm. The microwave signals stir the water molecules, causing them to vibrate and collide. This, in turn, generates heat up to 107F-113F degrees (42C-45C) because skin cells have higher water content.

Once the skin cells are heated to maximum heat, the HPV virus releases heat shock proteins. This is usually a stress response. When the Langerhans cells in the epidermis recognize the heat shock proteins, it signals the immune system. Upon receiving the signal that something is wrong, the body sends Cytotoxic T cells to the infected cells. In return, the Cytotoxic T cells launch apoptosis (cell death) and eliminate the virus, killing your warts from the inside out.

Please note that microwaves are non-ionizing radiation; thus, they cannot damage the DNA of living creatures. The process uses low energy, making the treatment option safe for everyone.

How Long Does the Treatment Last?

The standard treatment for swift microwave therapy is three sessions, four weeks apart. However, depending on treatment response, some people can require more sessions. Older warts may require 8-10 treatments, although variations may occur depending on the individual. Compared to other treatment methods, Swift therapy uses a shorter time. It also offers predictable results. If your plantar wart has failed to respond to other treatments, Swift therapy is a sure bet.

Who Can Use Swift Treatment?

Swift microwave technology fits everyone who has a plantar wart, especially the stubborn ones. However, let us know if you have neuropathy, have children under ten years old, are pregnant, and/or are a breastfeeding mother. Also people with suppressed immunity, and poor healing capacity should consult our doctors before undergoing a plantar wart treatment. Our doctors will assess and advise them accordingly on the right direction of treatment.

Does Swift Therapy Hurt?

The sensation varies from one patient to the other. Some may have minor discomfort, but it only occurs during the 2-3 seconds application and then disappears after the application stops. Swift therapy doesn’t cut the skin, burn or break it, so there is no after pain.

The Benefits of Swift Microwave Therapy

• The plantar wart treatment doesn’t hurt the skin since the microwave’s heat focuses on the interior skin layers.
• Treatment is continuous. Other treatment methods can damage healthy skin, so doctors avoid going too deep. Swift therapy is safe and it delivers reliable results.
• Swift therapy is simple and clean because the microwaves travel straight, preventing cross-contamination.
• The patient will not require dressing.
• You don’t require an anesthetic.
• No aftercare and post-treatment pain.
• The application is fast and highly effective.

Need Help with Plantar Warts? Contact Us!

Plantar warts are common among different age groups. If you have a plantar wart, don’t try to cut it or apply chemicals. The attempt may hurt the skin and spread the virus. The best course of action is to see our experienced professionals for removal.

At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona, we specialize in removing stubborn plantar warts. Our team will assess the problem and advise you accordingly, no matter the size and number of plantar warts. We highly recommend using Swift microwave therapy.

Swift therapy doesn’t harm the skin; it’s comfortable, consistent, quicker response, and no aftercare is needed.

For more information on Swift microwave technology, schedule an appointment with us. Contact us online or call our office in Chandler at (480) 963-9000. Don’t wait any longer to treat your plantar warts!