Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet, often caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. They typically develop in areas of pressure, such as the heels or balls of the feet, where the virus enters through small cuts or cracks in the skin. Symptoms include a rough, grainy texture on the bottom of the foot, pain or tenderness when walking, and tiny black dots in the wart, which are blood vessels. The wart may grow larger or multiply over time, if left untreated. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts through a physical exam and may remove a small sample for testing, if needed. Treatment options include topical medication, cryotherapy, or minor surgical removal. In some cases, mild treatments may also help, but professional care ensures the most effective and thorough removal. If you have a painful plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Hammertoe is a condition where one or more toes bend downward at the middle joint, creating a claw-like appearance. While more common in adults, it can also develop in children, often due to muscle imbalance, flat feet, or wearing shoes that are too tight. In growing feet, this abnormal bending may become more noticeable over time and can lead to rubbing, discomfort, or difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Early signs may include redness on top of the toe, or the child avoiding certain shoes or activities. In many cases, flexible hammer toes in children, where the toe can still be straightened manually. This indicates that the joint has not become rigid or fixed and can be managed with proper footwear, stretching exercises, and custom inserts to help guide foot alignment. If the toe becomes stiff or painful, further care may be needed. In this case, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can evaluate your child’s foot development and recommend the right treatment.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Pain in the affected toes
Development of corns or calluses due to friction
Inflammation
Redness
Contracture of the toes
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Nerve pain in the foot can result from several conditions, including a pinched nerve, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or peripheral neuropathy. A pinched nerve can occur from foot structure issues or injury, causing sharp or shooting pain. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel in the wrist and involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve near the ankle. Peripheral neuropathy, often linked to diabetes, involves nerve damage and can affect both feet. Symptoms may include tingling, burning, numbness, or a stabbing sensation. The foot may feel weak, sensitive to touch, or asleep. These symptoms can interfere with walking or even standing. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause through physical exams, imaging, or nerve testing. Treatment options include custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, targeted exercises, corticosteroid injections, or surgery, in severe cases. Managing underlying conditions like diabetes is also critical. If you have symptoms of foot nerve pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
