What Are Plantar Warts?
A rough spot on the bottom of your foot might be a plantar wart. These common skin growths are caused by a virus and can make walking, standing or playing sports uncomfortable. Some foot warts disappear on their own, while others remain despite treatment. Plantar warts are benign skin growths caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, commonly called HPV. “Plantar” simply refers to the bottom of the foot. These growths are also known as verrucae. Plantar warts can often be confused with corns and calluses, another common skin problem with feet.
The virus infects cells in the outer layer of the skin. A wart may develop on its own or appear alongside several others. Because plantar warts occur on the soles, pressure from everyday activities can make them particularly uncomfortable.
Having a plantar wart does not necessarily mean you need immediate treatment. However, pain, persistence, risk of spread and interference with daily activities are important reasons to have it assessed.
At Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre, we assess plantar warts and help patients understand their treatment options, including Swift Microwave Therapy. Our Markham foot clinic welcomes patients from Unionville, Stouffville and surrounding communities.
What Does a Plantar Wart Look Like?
Common signs of a plantar wart include:
- A small, rough or grainy growth on the bottom of the foot and toes.
- Thickened skin that resembles a callus or corn.
- Tiny dark dots within the growth.
- A break in the normal skin lines across the affected area.
- Pain or tenderness when standing, walking or squeezed from the sides.
- Several small growths grouped together known as "satellites"
The dark dots sometimes called “wart seeds” are small clotted blood vessels—not seeds or roots.
Is it a Plantar Wart, Corn or Callus?
Plantar warts, corns and calluses can look similar, especially when thick skin covers the area. Interrupted skin lines and small dark dots may suggest a wart, but appearance alone does not always provide a reliable diagnosis.
If you are unsure what you are treating, have our experienced chiropodists assessed before applying over-the-counter wart-removal products.
When Should You Have a Plantar Wart Assessed?
Consider booking an plantar wart assessment with one of our chiropodists if:
- The area hurts when you walk, stand or exercise.
- The growth is spreading or additional spots are appearing.
- Home treatment has not helped.
- The wart returns after appearing to clear.
- You are unsure whether the lesion is a wart.
- The growth bleeds or changes in shape or colour.
If you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation in your feet, seek professional advice before using wart-removal acids or other home treatments. These conditions can increase the risk of skin injury and healing problems.
Unsure Whether It’s a Wart?
A persistent spot on your foot deserves the right assessment. Our Markham chiropodists assess plantar warts and other common foot conditions and can discuss whether Swift Microwave Therapy is suitable for you.
Plantar Wart Treatment Options
There is no single treatment that clears plantar warts. Evidence shows that treatment response varies, and plantar warts can be more resistant to treatment than warts elsewhere on the body. Some of the most common treatment options include:
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a topical treatment that gradually removes thickened wart tissue. It usually requires repeated applications over time. The strength of the preparation and the way it is used matter, so treatment should follow appropriate professional or product guidance. Our chiropodists can prescribe higher concentration preparations compared to over-the-counter acids.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze wart tissue. Repeat appointments may be needed. Evidence demonstrates that cryotherapy is no more effective than salacylic acid. Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre uses CRYOPROBE, a gentler more precise method of delivering cryotherapy
Microwave Therapy
Swift Microwave therapy uses controlled heating of wart tissue and has been investigated as an alternative treatment, including for stubborn plantar warts.
Swift Microwave Therapy in Markham
Mount Joy Foot Clinic offers Swift Microwave Therapy, the most current and advanced treatment options currently available for plantar warts. Swift delivers precise microwave energy directly into the wart tissue, triggering an immune response allowing the body to recognize and eliminate the HPV infection from within. It does not damage surrounding healthy skin, requires no anesthetic, and leaves no open wound.
Swift is particularly well suited for patients having trouble treating their plantar warts, and prefer no dowtime.
Mount Joy Foot Clinic is one of a small number of clinics in the Greater Toronto Area and Markham offering Swift Microwave Therapy.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Assessment
Personalized Plan
Treatment & Follow up
Frequently Asked Questions
Many do, but it can take months or years. Treatment may be worth considering if a wart is painful, spreading or interfering with daily activities.
Yes. Warts can recur after appearing to clear, and treatment does not prevent future exposure to wart-causing HPV. If a growth returns, reassessment can help confirm recurrence and guide treatment.
Speak with a healthcare professional first. Diabetes, reduced sensation and poor circulation can make self-treatment more hazardous, particularly when using acids or attempting to cut away skin.
Many extended health plans cover chiropody services. Coverage depends on your specific plan. We recommend confirming with your insurer before your appointment.
No. Swift uses microwave energy rather than laser energy. Your chiropodist can explain how the treatment works and whether it is appropriate for your wart.
It can. Patients may experience a brief, intense sensation during the application of microwave energy. Pain tolerance and treatment experience vary; Swift is not a pain-free procedure, but tolerable. Our chiropodists can determine the appropriate setting to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
Book a Plantar Wart Assessment in Markham
Mount Joy Foot Clinic has been serving Markham and York Region since 2008. Suleman Bhatti, B.Sc, D.Ch, and our team of registered chiropodists are accepting new patients at our Swan Lake Plaza location.
To book an assessment, use the link below or call us
