Warts are one of several soft tissue conditions of the foot that can be quite painful. Warts are growths caused by viruses beneath the skin. They can appear anywhere on the body – including the feet. The warts on the soles of the feet are known as ‘plantar warts’. They are hard and may even grow inward due to pressure on the heels and balls of the feet. They are often a source of discomfort and embarrassment. Plantar warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).

Despite there being more than 100 strains of HPV, plantar warts are only caused by a few of them .They can be spread by person-to-person contact. Or you can develop one if you walk barefoot on moist surfaces infected with the virus, such as in a community pool area or locker rooms. Wearing proper footwear in such places can prevent them. Many people mistake foot warts for calluses. In many people, foot warts cause pain and soreness when standing or walking. Anyone can develop foot warts though they are most likely to affect children, teenagers, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Your podiatrist can treat or remove foot warts.