Photographer Stacy Kranitz, picked by Time magazine as Photographer of the Year 2015, suffered from plantar warts during the height of her career. Kranitz walked along the streets of California photographing people for a project, searching for young people to connect with. She says that her case of plantar warts “forc[ed] her to work more intimately with people,” as she could not walk very well because of the pain. Kranitz’s project focused on poverty and culture, often engaging closely with her photograph subjects.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, see Dr. Robert J. Kaplan of Twin Rivers Podiatry Easton. Our doctor will treat your feet in addition to other podiatric-related needs.
About Plantar Warts
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
- Legions 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, will 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 office in Easton, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.