February 2022

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for many kinds of conditions from simple warts to cancer. In plantar warts, the virus invades the sole of the feet by entering the body through tiny cracks or cuts in the skin and causing circular warts with the appearance of callused skin to form. Plantar warts can grow individually, or cluster in what is called a mosaic. Each wart usually has a tiny black dot in the center, which is actually dried blood in the minuscule capillary that feeds the wart with blood. Plantar warts can be very painful due to pressure placed on them during walking and running and can multiply or get larger without treatment. Because plantar warts are very hearty and home treatments are often ineffective or risky (especially for people with diabetes or neuropathy), professional treatment from a podiatrist is suggested.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle 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

• 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 Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Having healthy feet is a lifelong journey, and developing a foot care program for your child can start at birth. One way babies develop muscle strength is by kicking and wiggling their feet and legs. So it’s a good idea to avoid constricting bed covers and footwear. It is thought that going barefoot helps the child’s feet develop properly. If your baby wears socks or one-piece outfits with feet, be sure to check them frequently to make sure they are not too tight around the toes. It’s also important to keep the baby's feet clean and dry daily. Here are a few things to look for as your child gets older: turning the foot in or out, not walking independently by around 18 months, frequent tripping and falling, still walking on toes by age 3, skin rashes, bumps, or other foot problems. It is a good idea to start early with a visit to a podiatrist who can examine your child’s feet and deal with any problems that may arise as he or she grows.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) that is more than 30 are considered to be obese. Obesity is believed to go hand in hand with certain foot disorders such as heel pain, tendonitis, arthritis, and other conditions caused from the stress of excess weight placed on the feet and ankles. Obesity can also put a person at risk for type II diabetes, which often leads to the development of other foot conditions. Losing weight can help reduce excess pressure on the feet and ankles, however exercising can be difficult when your feet are in pain. A podiatrist can treat foot conditions brought on by obesity and help alleviate foot pain by suggesting specific stretches and prescribing custom orthotics.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

In the ice, snow, and cold of winter, women frequently will wear boots rather than shoes. But some boots may be more dangerous than others. Boots with high or spiked heels and pointy toes may put the wearer more at risk on slippery surfaces. If your ankle rolls inward or outward, it could result in a fracture. Twisting your ankle can cause a sprain – a torn or stretched ligament. To avoid winter foot injuries, try low-heeled boots with traction soles, and avoid wearing high-heeled shoes outdoors. If you have fallen and hurt your foot or ankle, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine the injured area and recommend options for treatment.  

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.