What You Need to Know About Plantar Warts
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are noncancerous skin growths found on the sole of the foot. They develop beneath pressure points, such as heels or balls of the foot. This pressure can also cause a plantar wart to grow inward under a hard, thick layer of skin.
What Causes Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are caused by one of the strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
The virus thrives in warm, moist environments and a person can get infected through a simple cut or crack in the skin. The incubation period is unknown but has been estimated to vary from months to years.
Plantar warts are seen in all age groups, but they are most common among children 12-16 years of age.
There are a number of risk factors for the development of plantar warts including:
- Communal showers or walking barefoot in public areas such a public pool
- Weakened immune system
- Skin Trauma
Symptoms
Common symptoms of plantar warts include the following:
- Small, fleshy, grainy growths on the soles of your feet
- Pain when walking or standing
- Firm lesions with tiny pinpoint dark spots inside
- Located over areas of pressure or bony points such as the heel and ball of the foot
- Several warts may fuse to form mosaic warts
Treatment
Plantar warts are often difficult to treat and self-treating usually fails. The most proven method of treating plantar warts is repeated application of specific chemicals or freezing completed at an Appletree Medical Centre.
How Can I Access This Service?
In-Clinic
This service is available at select Appletree Medical Centres. Appointments are required.
Book Your Appointment Today
The following schedules vary frequently, always consult our website to view the most up-to-date availability. Plantar Wart Clinic appointments are available at the following Appletree Medical Centres:
Ottawa
2948 Baseline Road, Ottawa
Friday: 1 pm – 4 pm
2573 Baseline Road, Ottawa
Thursday: 1 pm – 4 pm
1595 Merivale Road, Unit 1A-2, Ottawa
Thursday: 2 pm – 7:30 pm
150 Katimavik Road, Kanata
Monday: 3 pm – 6 pm
225 Preston St, Ottawa
Greater Toronto Area
1450 O’Connor Drive, Unit 20, East York
Thursday: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
2025 Midland Avenue, Unit 100, Scarborough
Sunday: 10 am – 2 pm
2077 Lake Shore Boulevard W, Etobicoke
Thursday: 11 am – 2 pm
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Each treatment is by appointment. You will be assessed by the physician, and treated by a trained technician. Plantar warts usually resolve in 6-12 sessions. Plantar wart treatment is covered by OHIP.
After Your Appointment
We will provide you with online access to all of your medical results and reports, through your secure and confidential Patient Portal, so that you may access them from anywhere, at any time.
How to Book
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
No. If you are suffering from Plantar Warts, no referral is necessary. You can book an appointment through your Patient Portal, over the phone, or in person at one of the locations listed above.
Will the treatment hurt?
Treatment with liquid nitrogen can cause discomfort while it is being applied. Both liquid nitrogen and the chemical agents can cause blisters that may be uncomfortable, but the discomfort does not typically last more than a few days.
Will I be able to walk/run/exercise after my treatment?
You may experience some discomfort from the treatment, but it shouldn’t prevent you from completing your usual activities.
Are Plantar Warts and Corns the same thing?
No. Plantar Warts are caused by the HPV virus, and corns are caused by excessive pressure and friction on your foot.
Are Plantar Warts contagious?
Yes. Plantar Warts are caused by the HPV virus and can be passed from one individual to another.
How many treatments are required?
Generally speaking, it takes between 6-12 weekly treatments to resolve a wart.