Warts on the feet may seem like a minor nuisance, but left untreated, they can become painful, spread, and interfere with your everyday activities. At Momentum Foot and Ankle, we provide expert, personalized care for plantar warts — helping patients in Boynton Beach and throughout Palm Beach County find lasting relief with the most appropriate treatment for their needs.
Dr. Christopher Zimmer is a board-eligible, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon with advanced training in both surgical and non-surgical care of the lower extremity. A graduate of the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a former resident at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Dr. Zimmer brings a strong clinical foundation and a patient-first philosophy to every visit. He takes the time to educate each patient on their diagnosis, explain all available options, and recommend treatment that makes sense for their lifestyle and goals — so you always feel informed and in control of your care.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They typically develop on the soles of the feet — most commonly on the heels or the balls of the feet — where pressure from standing and walking causes them to grow inward rather than outward.
Warts can affect people of all ages, but they are especially common in children and individuals who frequent shared spaces like pools, locker rooms, and gyms.
Common signs of plantar warts include:
- A rough, grainy growth on the bottom of the foot
- Hard, thickened skin (callus) over a well-defined spot
- Small black dots — sometimes called “wart seeds” — within the lesion
- Pain or tenderness when standing or walking
- Disrupted skin lines or ridges at the site of the growth
What Causes Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are caused by specific strains of HPV that enter the body through small cuts or breaks in the skin. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why warts are frequently contracted in public showers, pool areas, and locker rooms.
Not everyone exposed to HPV will develop a wart. Your immune system plays a key role in determining susceptibility, which is why certain individuals are more prone to recurring warts than others.
Diagnosing Plantar Warts
Dr. Zimmer can typically diagnose a plantar wart through a thorough clinical examination. In some cases, a small tissue sample may be taken to rule out other skin conditions. Early and accurate diagnosis helps ensure the most effective treatment approach from the start.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the size, location, and duration of the lesion — as well as your overall health. At Momentum Foot and Ankle, we offer a range of evidence-based options:
- Topical acid therapy (salicylic acid) to gradually remove wart tissue
- Cryotherapy (freezing) to destroy wart cells
- Laser therapy for resistant or recurring warts
- Surgical excision for persistent lesions unresponsive to conservative care
- Immunotherapy to stimulate the body’s natural immune response
We always begin with the least invasive option appropriate for your case and only advance to more aggressive treatments when necessary.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Schedule an appointment if:
- Your wart is painful or changing in appearance
- Over-the-counter treatments have not worked after several weeks
- You have diabetes or a condition affecting circulation or immunity
- You are unsure whether the lesion is a wart or something else
Why Choose Momentum Foot and Ankle?
At Momentum Foot and Ankle, you receive personalized, one-on-one care with a fellowship-trained surgeon who is committed to honest recommendations and lasting outcomes. We serve patients of all ages throughout Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County and accept most major insurance plans.
You will never feel rushed or pressured — just informed, respected, and confident in your care.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Don’t let a wart slow you down. Contact us today to schedule your visit with Dr. Zimmer and take the first step toward comfortable, healthy feet. Call us at (561) 369-4455.
