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Condition

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are viral skin growths on the bottom of the foot that can look like a callus.

Plantar warts are skin growths caused by human papillomavirus infection and occur on the bottom of the foot. Overlying thickened skin can make them resemble a callus.

Small dark dots within the lesion may represent small blood vessels. Clinical evaluation helps distinguish a wart from a callus, another skin growth, or a lesion that requires biopsy.

This page is general education. Symptoms described on a website cannot establish a diagnosis, and an in-person examination is what identifies the cause of your symptoms and what to do about it.

Common signs and symptoms

  • A thickened growth on the sole of the foot
  • Small dark dots within the lesion
  • Pain with standing, walking, or side-to-side pressure
  • An appearance similar to a callus

Possible causes and contributing factors

  • Human papillomavirus infection
  • Pressure and friction over the area, which affects appearance and symptoms

How Metro Foot & Ankle evaluates plantar warts

  1. We review your symptoms, activity or injury history, footwear, and medical history.
  2. We examine the lesion, surrounding skin, and pressure pattern along with the surrounding joints and the way you walk.
  3. We use X-rays or other testing when the findings make it clinically appropriate.
  4. We explain what we found and what the reasonable options are for your situation.

You will see Dr. Kayla Wright, DPM, ABFAS Board Certified, at our Tempe office. New to the practice? Review new-patient information before your visit.

General treatment progression

Treatment depends on the location, number, duration, and symptoms of the lesions, your health history, and any prior treatment. Warts can recur.

  1. Evaluation to confirm what the lesion is
  2. Discussion of treatment options appropriate to your situation
  3. Monitoring of the response
  4. Reassessment if the lesion returns or changes

When prompt evaluation may be appropriate

Some foot and ankle symptoms should be evaluated promptly rather than watched. Call our office if you notice:

  • An injury with difficulty walking or bearing weight
  • A change in the shape or appearance of the foot or ankle after a fall or twist
  • Redness, warmth, drainage, or signs of infection
  • An open sore or wound on the foot, especially with diabetes or circulation concerns
  • New numbness, burning, or other changes in sensation
  • Pain that keeps getting worse or does not improve with reasonable initial care

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. This website and its appointment tools are not monitored for emergency medical needs.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a wart or a callus?

They can look similar. Clinical evaluation distinguishes a wart from a callus, another growth, or a lesion that needs biopsy.

Can warts come back after treatment?

Yes. Warts can recur, and no single treatment succeeds for everyone.

Your next step

To be seen for plantar warts, request an appointment or call 480-831-0700. Our office is at 3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108, in Tempe — see directions and parking.

Sources(show)
  • American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (Foot Health Facts)Plantar Wart (Verruca Plantaris)HPV cause, appearance, pain pattern, evaluation, and recurrence.
  • American Academy of DermatologyWarts: Signs and SymptomsHPV cause and the fact that other lesions can resemble warts.

Request an appointment

Our Tempe office schedules new and established patients Monday through Friday. Book online, or call and we will help you find a time.

Metro Foot & AnkleTempe office

3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108
Tempe, AZ 85282

480-831-0700

Fax 480-831-0748

Suite 108 is on the ground floor of the office complex, marked with Metro Foot & Ankle signage and our phone number on the window. Parking is available on site.

Office hours

Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday
Closed

Please do not send medical details, records, or images through this website. Call the office to discuss anything clinical.

Find Us

Metro Foot & Ankle, 3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108, Tempe, AZ 85282. A text address and a Get Directions link are provided next to this map.

Metro Foot & Ankle

3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108
Tempe, AZ 85282

480-831-0700

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Get Directions

Suite 108 is on the ground floor of the office complex, marked with Metro Foot & Ankle signage and our phone number on the window. Parking is available on site.