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August 27, 2026
One of the symptoms that comes from long-standing and untreated diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, which means nerve damage experienced in the feet and legs. Peripheral neuropathy causes numbness, making it difficult to feel minor injuries. A cut, blister or wart could go completely unnoticed for a long time.
What’s worse is that diabetes can affect your ability to heal from an injury, which can lead to a serious infection. If you are living with diabetes, here are three small skin and nail problems that you should respond to right away for the sake of your health.
Ingrown Nails
An ingrown toenail is a toenail that breaks into the border of the nail bed instead of straight-ahead, causing pain and swelling. An ingrown toenail is often caused by footwear that is too small, poor trimming or injuries. Sadly, the problem can also be hereditary.
Clipping an ingrown toenail further down can worsen the problem and increase the risk of infection. Instead of trying to treat it yourself or visiting a salon, people with diabetes should seek care at a foot clinic. A licensed chiropodist can safely treat the ingrown toenail using sterilized tools, reducing the risk of infection and ensuring the issue is resolved correctly and without complications.
Plantar Wart
A plantar wart is a form of the Human Papillomavirus that grows on the bottoms of your feet. The virus enters through a crack in the skin, causing a wart that looks similar to a corn or foot callus. Putting pressure on the wart can be painful and make walking difficult.
Warts may seem harmless, but for people with diabetes they can pose serious risks. Diabetes can impair circulation and weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Even a small wart can lead to skin breakdown, ulcers, or secondary bacterial infections, which can be difficult to heal and may result in serious complications. For this reason, it’s important for people with diabetes to have warts evaluated and treated promptly by a licensed chiropodist. Don't try to treat warts using DIY over-the-counter solutions if you have diabetes.
Blisters
The blister begins as a fluid-filled pocket covering the injured area. Your first instinct may be to lance it at home, but you should fight the temptation. The pocket guards the vulnerable area against infections from fungus, viruses and bacteria. Signs of infection are inflammation and unusual colouring like yellow or purple.
If you have a foot blister, you should gently clean it and dry it without bursting the fluid pocket. Cover it with a gauze bandage and avoid putting pressure on it. Then, you can see a podiatry clinic today to get a chiropodist to safely remove it and treat the damage left behind.
Diabetes Canada recommends that people living with the condition practice daily foot care so that they can take stock of injuries and skin problems. Look at the bottoms of your feet, your nails, your heels and even between your toes for any red flags. If you have difficulty seeing the bottoms of your feet, you can use a mirror or ask for a confidante to do the investigation for you.
These problems start out small, but they can spiral out of control when you don’t have a strong enough immune system to combat them. This doesn’t mean you should panic every time you spot a wart or a blister forming. It just means you should make note of the change and head on over to the clinic to sort it out as quickly as possible.
July 30, 2026
It's all in the toes.
Our toes bear the weight of the body with every step and are the foundation for our movement. The big toe specifically is the final point of contact before each step. In fact, the big toe carries most of the body weight, bearing about 40-60% of the load. The big toe also provides about 80% of the foot's total stability.
As a result, many foot injuries and toe conditions stem from, or affect, the big toe.
Maintaining good toe health is crucial for the longevity and long-term health of your feet. There are a number of different foot conditions that can result from toe neglect. Stiff toes, for example, can lead to hallux limitus or hallux rigidus.
Below you'll find a list of common toe conditions.
Claw Toe
A Claw Toe has an abnormal bend in both the middle joint and the joint closest to the tip of the toe.
Symptoms of claw toe include an upward extension from the joints at the ball of the foot and downward flexion at the middle joints toward the sole of your shoe. Claw toe comes in the shape of a bridge or a hump.
Early on, claw toe resembles a flexible hammertoe (see more below). However, over time, claw toes can stiffen. It's important to address claw toe early to reverse the deformity. One such treatment is a splint or tape to hold your toes in the correct position. You can also try a silicone toe crutch.
Finding shoes that fit correctly is also a key preventative measure. You'll notice through this article that many toe conditions can be prevented by wearing Proper Footwear. Additionally, you can use your hands to stretch and straighten your toes, and perform exercises including picking up marbles or a towel to strengthen local ligaments and tendons.
Subungual Hematoma
A subungual hematoma is a medical term for a Black Toenail.
A black toenail occurs when the skin below the nail is damaged. Long-distance runners are particularly susceptible to black toenails because of the friction to the top of the foot, as well as the duration of the activity.
Immediately after injuring your toe, you need to reduce the pain and swelling. First, wrap a clean bandage around the toe to stem the blood. Put a bag of ice or cold compress on the covered injury - ideally putting a plastic cover above the band-aid to prevent it from getting wet. Then lie down and elevate you foot so it is resting above your heart, to again stem the blood flow. Finally, avoid doing any strenuous activity for the next 3-5 days and avoid wearing shoes that touch the affected area. It is ideal to do Epsom foot soaks every day and change the band-aid daily for the next 3-5 days. If bleeding does not stop after 5 days, contact your chiropodist or podiatrist. If the nail is lifting and causing pain, see your chiropodist to have it gently cut back and to prevent further injury.
Turf Toe
Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint resulting from injury during sports activities.
This acute injury typically occurs from jamming the toe. Turf toe includes pain, swelling and limited joint movement. Following the PEACE & LOVE protocol is beneficial. In the first 1-3 days follow PEACE: Protect, Elevate, Avoid anti-inflammatories, Compress and Educate. After the acute phase, promote healing with LOVE: Load (gentle movements), Optimism back to activity, Vascularisation (cardio) and Exercise. Additionally, wear stiff or rocker bottom footwear to limit flexion of the toe and to keep it isolated and neutral while walking. Taping the toe with semi-flexible sports tape can also aid in keeping the toe at a neutral angle while its healing.
The biggest concern here is either not addressing the injury, or rushing back to activity too quickly. Without the proper treatment, turf toe can turn into hallux limitus.
Hallux Rigidus
Osteophyte (bone spur) on top of the left first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) due to hallux rigidus.
Translated to a stiff big toe, hallux rigidus is a progressive condition that stems from osteoarthritis in the big toe. It causes pain and stiffness in the joint and over time, the toe loses flexibility.
As the cartilage at the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) breaks down, the metatarsal bones and the proximal bones rub together. This friction, as well as the body's response to fill the void left by osteoarthritis results in the formation of a bone spur.
In this case, its important to recognize early signs of Hallux rigidus which is Hallux limitus. During the hallux limitus stage, it is crucial to improve and maintain the range of motion in the toes to prevent it from progressing. This may include investing in a pair of custom made orthotics or proper fitting footwear.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a progressive toe condition that worsens if left untreated. In short, hammertoe is a toe deformity of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth (little) toes. You'll see one of the toes shift and cross over another toe.
Hammertoe can develop from wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially footwear that is too small or has a tight toe box. The lack of space forces the toes into a bent position, which can eventually cause changes in the tendons and ligaments. Hammertoes can also occur alongside a bunion, as the smaller toes may overcompensate for changes in foot mechanics. Fortunately, addressing the cause quickly can be extremely effective.
Treatment includes:
Corn pads
Stretching and strengthening your toe and toe and foot muscles
Roomier footwear
Custom orthotics that help reposition and take the pressure off of your toes
Surgery
Metatarsal pads
Left untreated, hammertoe can worsen and require surgery. If your toes appear bent or you are experiencing toe mobility, visit one of our licensed chiropodists (foot specialists) as soon as it's safe to do so.
Drop-in shoe fitting for hammertoe is also offered.
Gout
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that often begins in the big toe.
It's often known as the "disease of kings" or "rich man's disease" because it's prevalent in older men, as well as those who eat meat or seafood, drink beer, or are overweight.
It's characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints. Gout looks like a swollen bunion on the outside of the big toe. Gout can have symptoms similar to conditions such as Hallux Limitus, Hallux Rigidus, or an inflamed Bunion. However, a key difference is that gout pain often worsens at night and can be extremely sensitive to light pressure, such as bedsheets touching the area. In contrast, hallux limitus, hallux rigidus, or bunions typically cause pain with joint movement or when wearing certain footwear. A definitive diagnosis of gout usually requires medical testing, such as bloodwork, joint aspiration, or imaging like X-rays or CT scans.
To help prevent gout, you can follow these preventative measures:
Drink plenty of fluids
Limit or avoid alcohol
Get your protein from low-fat dairy products
Limit your intake of meat, fish and poultry
Maintain desirable body weight
Ingrown Toenails
An Ingrown Toenail occurs when the side of the toenail curls down and pierces the flesh of the toe as the nail grows. Untreated ingrown toenails can easily become infected.
To start, you’ll want to focus on treatment, and then prevention.
Place a spacer or splint under the ingrown edge of the toenail
Soak feet in Epsom salt and water bath at home to flush out the infection and manage pain and inflammation
Trim the ingrown portion of the nail
In recurring cases, surgical removal (outpatient) of part of your toenail
If your toenail becomes infected you may need topical or oral antibiotics
Prevention includes:
Avoid shoes that crowd your toes
Trim your toenails straight across and file the corners
Avoid injury to your toenails
Sometimes improper foot mechanics or tight footwear can cause excessive callus buildup between the skin and the nail. This buildup can become inflamed and painful, often feeling similar to an ingrown nail even though the nail itself is not growing into the skin.
Blisters
Blisters are among the most common toe conditions. Although common, blisters typically are not serious and can be treated immediately for relief within a few days. Blisters are small, fluid-filled bubbles on the upper most layer of the skin. Friction against your skin and your socks and shoes causes your skin to form small bubbles to prevent further damage to the underlying skin. More serious blisters may contain blood as the vessels at the surface of your skin burst.
These skin conditions typically heal themselves within a few days. However, it’s advised to cover blisters either with a basic bandage, tape, or a Band-aid, all of which are available at our Toronto foot clinic. These measures are simply to prevent unwanted popping of the blister and to shield your skin from friction.
To schedule best foot care treatment with our licensed Chiropodists (foot specialists), use the booking form at the bottom of this page or call 416-769-FEET(3338).
Bunions
A Bunion is a deformity of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. A bony bump protrudes from the base of the big toe causing pain, redness, and sometimes even swelling. Bunions are atop the list of most common toe problems. It affects about 23% of adults. The common age range of onset is 20-50, and women are more commonly affected than men.
Like hallux rigidus and other progressive foot conditions, a bunion is irreversible once it starts. So you can’t reverse what’s already been down, but you can take measures to slow down the deformity over time. The sooner you address the problem, the slower the rate of bunion growth.
Do you have a bunion or hallux rigidus? Read: Hallux Rigidus or Bunions: What's the Difference?
Measures to help slow a bunion’s progression include:
Proper Footwear
A foot assessment for Custom Orthotics
Over-the-counter footcare products
Surgery is also an option. Typically, surgery includes removing the protruding portion of the bone, and re-aligning the joints in the big toe. Surgery is considered a last-resort option for advanced bunions that cause significant pain and have not improved with conservative treatments. Like with any foot condition, educate yourself on the pros and cons of surgery to determine: Is Foot Surgery Worth It? But, there’s still hope for those with bunions. Check out these Effective Ways That you Can Treat Your Bunion Pain.
A bunion’s sibling: A bunionette
Similarly, a Bunionette (or tailor’s bunion) is a bunion on the opposite side of the foot. A bunionette appears on the pinkie toe and affects the fifth metatarsal. It’s smaller than a bunion, but still appears as a bump. Pain associated with a bunionette occurs on the outside of the foot, and tight shoes may exacerbate the condition. Shoes with narrow toe boxes are particularly problematic for those with a bunionette. Narrow toe boxes increase friction against the bony protrusion. The causes of a bunionette are classified as either intrinsic or extrinsic.
Bunionettes can appear more pronounced after pregnancy due to the hormone relaxin and increased weight gain, which can cause the foot to flatten. This is why many women notice their feet feel larger or wider postpartum.
Causes include:
External pressure on the forefoot
Tight shoes
Genetics
Foot anatomy
Faulty mechanics
Bunion and bunionette treatment is similar. As such, properly-fitting shoes are an essential step. Additionally, stretching your shoe can provide benefits as it artificially provides additional toe room. This allows your bunionette more space in the shoe.
Remember, our bodies begin at our feet. Take proper care through the various methods mentioned in this article to prevent toe conditions from occurring.
June 25, 2026
If you've been struggling with a wart on your foot for months—or even years—you may be wondering why it won't disappear. While some warts resolve on their own, others can be incredibly stubborn and resistant to treatment. Understanding why your wart isn't going away can help you choose the most effective treatment and prevent it from spreading.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are growths that develop on the soles of the feet due to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks and causes excess skin growth. Because they develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot, plantar warts often grow inward and can become painful when walking or standing.
Common symptoms include:
Thickened skin on the sole of the foot
Small black dots (clotted blood vessels)
Pain when standing or walking
Rough, grainy skin texture
1. Your Immune System Hasn't Cleared the Virus
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The primary reason plantar warts persist is that the HPV virus remains active within the skin.
Every person's immune system responds differently to HPV. Some individuals clear the infection within a few months, while others may experience recurring or long-lasting warts. Stress, illness, age, and certain medical conditions can all affect your body's ability to eliminate the virus.
2. You're Treating the Wart Inconsistently
Consistency is critical when treating plantar warts.
Many over-the-counter wart treatments require daily application for several weeks or even months. Missing treatments or stopping prematurely often allows the virus to remain active, causing the wart to persist.
Successful wart treatment requires patience and following the recommended treatment schedule.
3. The Wart Is Larger Than It Appears
What you see on the surface may only be part of the problem.
Plantar warts often extend deeper into the skin than many people realize. While surface tissue may appear to improve, infected tissue beneath the skin can remain intact, allowing the wart to regrow.
This is one reason professional wart treatment can be more effective than at-home remedies.
4. You're Actually Dealing With Multiple Warts
Plantar warts can spread and form clusters known as mosaic warts.
These clusters may appear as a single lesion but are actually multiple warts growing together. Mosaic warts are often more difficult to treat because a larger area of skin is infected with HPV.
Without proper treatment, the virus can continue spreading to nearby skin.
5. You're Reinfecting Yourself
HPV can survive in warm, moist environments such as:
Public pools
Locker rooms
Gym showers
Shared footwear
You can also spread the virus from one area of your foot to another through scratching, picking, or shaving around the wart.
To reduce reinfection:
Avoid picking at warts
Keep feet clean and dry
Wear sandals in communal areas
Do not share footwear or towels
6. It May Not Be a Wart at All
Not every bump on the foot is a wart.
Conditions commonly mistaken for plantar warts include:
Corns
Calluses
Foreign body reactions
Cysts
Certain skin lesions
If a lesion has not responded to wart treatment after several months, a professional assessment may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
7. Your Wart Requires Professional Treatment
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Some plantar warts are simply more resistant to treatment than others.
Professional wart treatments may include:
Debridement
Topical acids
Needling procedures
Swift microwave therapy
Cryotherapy
Prescription-strength medications
A chiropodist can determine the most appropriate treatment based on the wart's size, location, and duration.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Consider booking an assessment if:
Your wart is painful
It has been present for several months
Over-the-counter treatments have failed
The wart is spreading
You have diabetes or poor circulation
You're unsure whether the lesion is actually a wart
Early intervention can often improve treatment outcomes and reduce discomfort.
June 4, 2026
Our legs are a complex and intricate system of bones, joints, and muscles. Everything is interconnected in some way.
Muscles and joints rely on each other to perform properly, and to provide the necessary foundation for our body. Our habits, genetics, and environment all affect our feet. With so many different possibilities for foot conditions to arise, it's important to remember that correlation is not causation.
Just because we do one thing, does not necessarily mean it causes another. To help clear the air over a sample of common foot myths, we decided to debunk a few of them below.
1. Flat feet are bad
About 30% of the population lives with flat feet.
Flat feet are defined as a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse. As a result, the entire foot makes contact with the ground. The foot is characterized by a very low arch, and can other foot conditions because of the leg's compensation.
Flat feet can develop in one foot, or both, depending on your body's development.
According to Harvard Medical School, even in adulthood, 15% to 25% of people have flexible flatfeet. Most of these people never develop symptoms. For those with what's called rigid flat feet, several measures can be taken to reduce pain and live comfortably with flat feet. These include:
Custom orthotics that artificially raise the arch and provide support
Strengthen and stretch your calf as this reduces the pressure and load on your arches
Supplement some high-impact exercise with low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or spinning
Wearing slippers or supportive footwear inside instead of walking around barefoot
Proper fitting footwear with motion control and stability
Foot strengthening and exercises
2. Wearing heels causes all of women's foot problems
Additionally, a common misconception is that high heels cause bunions. This isn't true. Heels aggravate bunions but are likely not the cause.
However, excessive heel usage can result in a few common foot conditions: Corns, Hammertoe, Calluses and Haglund's deformities (called the "pump bump"). Additionally, you're at a greater risk of osteoarthritis since you may lose fat under your foot.
According to WebMD, you can prevent certain foot conditions while continuing to wear heels. Some of these preventative measures include:
Get the well-fitted high heel
Use silicone metatarsal pads for under your feet
Wear a thicker heel for stability
Pay attention to the "slope" or "pitch" of the heel
Wear open-toe high heels to relieve pressure on corns and calluses
Wear heels that are no more than 2" high
3. A bunion is just a bump
A bunion may look like just a bump. However, that's another in the list of foot myths. If only it were that simple...
Depending on the cause, your habits may worsen the condition. Maybe you wear shoes with a narrow toebox. Without correction, bunions can get a lot worse over time, turning just a bump into severe pain.
A Bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony protrusion that forms at the site of the large joint that connects your big toe to your foot. As you can expect, without addressing the cause of bunions, the toe angle's alignment can sharpen, causing a larger bump.
It should be noted that bunions can be hereditary, in which case you might be doing everything right. Hereditary bunions are linked to inheriting foot structures such as flat feet or faulty bone mechanics rather than inheriting the bunion structure itself. Inherited conditions such as hypermobility or shortened Achilles tendons can largely increase the risk of developing a bunion. In this instance, continue to practice proper foot habits like:
Footwear modification, i.e., avoiding tight shoes with a narrow or stiff toe box.
Anti-inflammatory medications
Bunion splints
Bunion aligner
Therapeutic taping
Supportive insoles or custom orthotics
Anti-inflammatory gels (but not NSAID oral medication)
You should consult a foot specialist to see whether or not action needs to be taken.
4. Foot pain is the result of getting old
Reword the first paragraph: Foot conditions, such as osteoarthritis, are common as we age. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage and changes in the bone structure causing joint pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
However, osteoarthritis can occur at any age. Individuals who train or play high level or high impact sports may experience osteoarthritis even as early as their 20s. The most common areas for osteoarthritis include the big toe joint, knees and hips.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive and degenerative disease meaning that the damage is irreversible. Physical therapy can aid in providing strength to the muscles surrounding the affected joint and can alleviate pain. Common treatments include functional stretches and movement exercises and managing symptoms with proper support or bracing.
5. Surgery will fix foot problems
Surgery can help fix certain foot conditions, but non-invasive options may work equally well, if not be more effective.
There are several factors to consider when deciding on foot surgery:
Necessity
Success rate
Cost
Recovery time
Long-term effectiveness
Certain progressive conditions like hallux rigidus, bunions, and a ruptured Achilles may require surgery to correct the inherent problem. However, physical therapy can also improve quality of life. Proper orthotics, avoiding high-impact exercise, proper footwear, and strengthening can help limit pain associated with certain foot conditions.
However, surgery removes the bone portion of the injury. For those with Hallux Rigidus, the Bone Spur contributes to the toe's stiffness. The range of motion won't improve without surgery. Although, the worsening of the condition can be slowed with physical therapy as mentioned above.
For those with a Bunion, you’ll want to explore All Non-Invasive Measures before deciding on surgery. If you have explored all options, surgery may be an option. Typically, those who experience significant pain, have severe toe deformities, and have chronic inflammation are the likely candidates for surgery. Bunion surgery (of which there are a few) can include several correct measures:
Realigning the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe.
Pain relief.
Correcting the deformity of the bones, especially if your big toe is drifting inwards towards your second metatarsal.
If you're unsure about foot conditions, toenail conditions, or skin conditions, contact us at Feet First Clinic to set up an appointment. You can do that below, or by Contacting Us Here!
December 11, 2025
Our feet are pretty amazing structures.
With over 52 bones, over 250,000 glands and nerves, they're certainly a complex parts of our bodies, and so they deserve a dedicated specialist to keep them in peak condition. How exactly do these specialists work? And why might you need to see one? Read on and find out.
What's A Chiropodist?
A Chiropodist (pronounced "kerr-op-o-dist") works to support the prevention and management of acute and chronic conditions that affect our feet and lower limbs. Think: skin conditions like warts and calluses, nail conditions like ingrowns or fungus, and musculoskeletal conditions like Plantar Fasciitis and Gout. These are just a few examples of the foot conditions a chiropodist can treat. Click to learn more about other Common Foot Conditions.
Is a Chiropodist Different than a Podiatrist?
It depends on where you live.
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In Ontario, both chiropodists and podiatrists are regulated foot care professionals, but their training and scope of practice differ slightly. Chiropodists are the most commonly licensed foot specialists in the province and provide comprehensive care including assessments, routine and advanced treatments, custom orthotics, minor procedures, and certain injections. Podiatrists are less common and were grandfathered into practice prior to 1993, when Ontario transitioned to licensing only chiropodists. A podiatrist can perform bone surgeries like bunion or hammertoe corrections, whereas a chiropodist cannot (they can still do other surgeries). Regardless of the title, both professionals are highly qualified to help you manage foot pain and keep you moving comfortably.
What Do Chiropodists Check For?
When a chiropodist sits down to assesses your feet, they'll be able to spot and treat minor problems right away, like hard skin, Warts, and Ingrown Toenails.
For people with diabetes, the chiropodist will check the sensation and circulation in the feet, as well as examine the feet for any potential irregularities or cause for concern. If you have foot pain, a chiropodist can do a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis. They'll check your alignment when you walk, and will then be able to recommend or prescribe solutions including, but not limited to, Orthotics or Insoles, to get the feet working in peak condition. Either way, you'll leave your first visit knowing your feet are being properly cared for.
As you can see, foot health isn't just about feet! When feet are in good condition, the whole body can be properly supported. When they're not, you'll likely notice problems elsewhere. Foot health is every bit as much about your legs, hips, and spine as it is about the way your toes look in sandals. Chiropodists are trained to see the bigger picture of your physical health and the role your feet play in it.
Even if you don't have foot pain, we urge you to visit a chiropodist. Your feet, after all, are your body's foundation, and having them assessed could save you aches and pains later on. Foot problems affect well over half the population. Don't be one of those people who finds themselves at risk of long-term consequences.
April 17, 2025
If you're wondering why your plantar warts keep returning, you're not alone. But the good news is, you have options! Today’s article delves into the reasons behind recurrent plantar warts and effective prevention and treatment strategies. Keep reading to learn more!
What is a Plantar Wart?
A plantar wart is a non-cancerous skin growth that appears on the soles of the feet, caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), notably types 1, 2, 4, 60, and 63. The virus infiltrates the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, often occurring in communal areas like public showers or swimming pools where the virus thrives. This is also the same type of communal environment that breeds athlete’s foot and fungal toenail, although those are fungal infections and not caused by HPV.
Once inside, HPV infects the basal layer of the epidermis, leading to the proliferation of keratinocytes and the formation of a wart. Due to the pressure from walking or standing, plantar warts often grow inward beneath a hard, thick layer of skin, which can cause discomfort or pain during weight-bearing activities.
Plantar warts are characterized by their rough, grainy appearance and may have small black dots on the surface, which are thrombosed capillaries. They can occur as solitary lesions or in clusters known as mosaic warts. The body's immune response to the virus varies, and in some cases, the wart may persist for months or even years without treatment.
Plantar warts can sometimes look like other skin conditions, namely corns. Differentiating between them is essential, as their treatments differ. While both can appear as thickened skin on the foot, corns are caused by repeated friction or pressure, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells. Depending on the type, corns have a hard center and are surrounded by inflamed skin. In contrast, plantar warts are viral in origin. Additionally, warts may bleed when the surface is pared down, revealing pinpoint bleeding, whereas corns do not.
Plantar Warts: Risk Factors and Symptoms
In addition to walking barefoot in communal high-risk areas (i.e.: locker rooms, pool decks, etc.), there are other risk factors for plantar warts worth noting.
Risk Factors
Weakened immune system: Individuals with compromised immunity, such as those with HIV or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, are more prone to infections.
History of plantar warts: Previous occurrences can indicate a higher likelihood of recurrence.
Children and teenagers: Younger individuals are more susceptible due to their developing immune systems, and they may spend more time in communal areas like gyms, pools, and locker rooms.
Excessive foot moisture: Constantly moist or sweaty feet can create an environment conducive to HPV infection.
Symptoms of Plantar Warts
Rough, grainy growths: Small, rough lesions on the bottom of the foot, often on the heel or ball, that may interrupt normal skin lines.
Black pinpoints: Tiny black dots, known as wart seeds, which are small, clotted blood vessels.
Pain or tenderness: Discomfort when walking or standing, especially if the wart is located on a weight-bearing area.
Callus formation: A thickened layer of skin may form over the wart as it grows inward due to pressure.
Why Do My Warts Keep Coming Back?
Plantar warts often recur because the HPV strain can persist beneath the skin even when visible warts seem like they're fading away. This type of virus has developed mechanisms to evade the immune system, allowing it to remain undetected and cause warts to re-form later. That's why it's important to see your chiropodist one final time to verify that your warts are gone.
The immune system plays a crucial role in controlling HPV infections. Individuals with weakened immune responses or those on immunosuppressive therapies are more susceptible to recurrent warts . Additionally, certain HPV strains are more adept at evading immune detection, leading to higher rates of recurrence. Even in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can persist in a latent state and reactivate under certain conditions, which causes warts to come back.
Warts can also come back if you're re-exposed to the virus. For instance, you can get warts again if your feet come into contact with a surface that came into contact with the virus before being disinfected (i.e.: shared showers, locker rooms, gymnasiums, pools, etc.). That's why athletes and people who do barefoot sports (i.e.: swimming or gymnastics) are especially prone to wart reoccurrence. That's why it's important to disinfect footwear, along with high-risk surfaces with moisture buildup (i.e.: tubs and showers) with a 99% disinfectant solution that kills virus. This will kill any residual virus remaining in your belongings and residence and reduce the likelihood of re-exposure.
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How to Stop Warts from Coming Back?
Preventative plantar warts care - both before and after contracting plantar warts - can help you avoid persistent foot warts. Remember, successfully treating warts doesn't make you immune to them in the future:
It's important to keep your feet clean and dry, especially after showers or swimming.
Always wear shower shoes or any suitable protective footwear in communal areas like pools and locker rooms.
Don’t share shoes or socks, and avoid touching or picking at existing warts to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.
Regularly disinfect home surfaces like bathroom floors and tubs if someone in the household has a wart.
Moisturizing cracked heels can also help create a stronger skin barrier.
After your last wart treatment, disinfect any footwear worn while you had the infection with a 99% disinfectant spray that kills viruses (i.e.: Lysol disinfectant spray).
These simple habits can go a long way in preventing warts recurrence.
What to do if my Warts Come Back?
If your plantar warts won’t go away on their own, wart removal treatment at a foot clinic from a chiropodist or podiatrist should be your next step. Here are some ways foot care professionals remove plantar warts:
Prescription Topical Solutions (Salicylic Acid): This medicated treatment involves applying a high-strength salicylic acid compound directly to the wart over time. It works by gradually breaking down layers of the skin until the wart tissue is removed. Fun fact: salicylic acid can also be used to treat acne!
Cryotherapy: This method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, causing it to blister and eventually fall away. The extreme cold damages the wart tissue and triggers the body to shed it during the healing process.
Cantharone/Cantharone Plus: A potent topical solution is painted onto the wart to create a blister between the wart and the healthy skin beneath it. This separation allows the wart to be lifted away once the blister dries out and peels off. It may cause more discomfort than other treatments but results may be faster.
Needing: A sterilized needle is used to puncture the wart multiple times after numbing the area. This process helps stimulate your immune system to recognize and fight off the virus that caused the wart.
Excision: In this procedure, the wart is surgically removed under local anesthesia. It’s typically used when other treatments haven’t worked and involves cutting the wart out and sealing the area to reduce the chance of it returning.
Remember that enjoying other routine foot clinic services can be a great preventative step in keeping your feet clean and healthy, and warts at bay. Even a service like callus removal, a medical pedicure or simply your first initial foot assessment can be helpful if your chiropodist or podiatrist spots a plantar wart during the process!
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