Plantar warts, also known as verruca pedis, are a common foot condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts often appear on the soles of the feet and can cause discomfort or pain when walking or standing. At Bondi Podiatry, one of the most effective treatments we offer for plantar warts is cryotherapy. This article explores how cryotherapy works, its benefits, risks, and what to expect during the procedure.

What Are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are non-cancerous growths that typically develop on the weight-bearing areas of your feet, such as the heels or balls of your feet. These warts can be painful due to the pressure applied to them when you walk. They are caused by direct contact with the HPV virus, often in warm, moist environments like swimming pools or gym locker rooms.

Plantar warts are usually flat, firm, and can have a rough texture. Sometimes, tiny black dots (blood vessels) can be seen on the surface of the wart.

What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a medical treatment that involves freezing the plantar wart using liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold destroys the wart tissue, causing the wart to gradually die and fall off. Cryotherapy is a widely used treatment for plantar warts because of its effectiveness and minimally invasive nature.

How Does Cryotherapy for Plantar Warts Work?

During the cryotherapy procedure, a podiatrist applies liquid nitrogen directly to the wart using a small probe, spray, or cotton swab. The liquid nitrogen rapidly freezes the tissue, which results in the destruction of the wart cells. The freezing process also stimulates your immune system to fight off the virus causing the wart.

Here's a breakdown of what happens during cryotherapy for plantar warts:

1. Preparation: Before applying the liquid nitrogen, the podiatrist may pare down the wart with a scalpel to remove any thickened skin and make the treatment more effective.

2. Application of Liquid Nitrogen: The liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart, freezing it quickly. You may feel a cold sensation followed by a slight stinging or burning. The freezing may last for several seconds to a minute, in our clinic the typical application time is 30 seconds with two applications to the same area.

3. Post-Treatment Reaction: After the treatment, the area may blister, become swollen, or turn red, which is a normal reaction. The wart may darken and eventually fall off after a few days or weeks.

4. Multiple Treatments: In some cases in fact most cases of warts on feet, more than one cryotherapy session may be necessary to completely remove the wart. Follow-up treatments are usually scheduled a few weeks apart.

Benefits of Cryotherapy for Plantar Warts

Cryotherapy offers several advantages for treating plantar warts, including:

1. Effective Wart Removal: Cryotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for stubborn plantar warts. In many cases, it can successfully eliminate warts after a few treatments.

2. Minimal Downtime: Cryotherapy is a quick, outpatient procedure that typically requires no significant recovery time. You can usually return to your normal activities shortly after treatment.

3. Non-Surgical Option: Cryotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that doesn’t require incisions or stitches, reducing the risk of complications associated with surgical procedures.

4. Stimulates Immune Response: By destroying the wart tissue, cryotherapy helps to stimulate your immune system to recognize and fight off the HPV virus, reducing the chances of wart recurrence.

5. Safe for Most People: Cryotherapy is safe for people of all ages, including children, and can be used to treat warts in various locations on the foot.

Risks and Side Effects of Cryotherapy

While cryotherapy is generally safe, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of:

1. Pain and Discomfort: Cryotherapy can be slightly painful, especially during and shortly after the procedure. However, this discomfort is usually short-lived and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

2. Blisters and Swelling: It's common to experience blistering or swelling at the treatment site. These blisters are part of the healing process and will usually go away on their own.

3. Skin Discoloration: After cryotherapy, the treated area may become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. This pigmentation change is usually temporary but may be permanent in some cases.

4. Scarring: While rare, some people may experience scarring at the treatment site, especially if the wart was deeply embedded in the skin.

5. Infection: There’s a small risk of infection, particularly if the blister or treated area is not kept clean and dry.

6. Need for Multiple Sessions: Depending on the size and depth of the wart, multiple cryotherapy sessions may be required to completely remove the wart.

Aftercare for Cryotherapy

Proper aftercare is essential for ensuring a smooth recovery after cryotherapy. Here are some tips for caring for your foot after the procedure:

- Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Gently wash the treated area with soap and water and pat it dry. Avoid soaking your foot in water for extended periods, as this can delay healing.

- Don’t Pop Blisters: If a blister forms, avoid popping it as this increases the risk of infection. If the blister breaks on its own, keep the area clean and cover it with a sterile bandage.

- Wear Comfortable Footwear: To prevent further irritation to the treated area, wear soft, cushioned footwear that doesn’t rub against the wart site.

- Monitor for Infection: If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever, contact your podiatrist immediately.

Alternatives to Cryotherapy for Plantar Warts

While cryotherapy is an effective treatment, other treatment options may be available depending on your condition. These include:

1. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter or prescription-strength salicylic acid can help remove warts over time. This treatment requires regular application and can take several weeks to show results.

2. Needling (Faulkner's Needling): This technique involves using a fine needle to puncture the wart and stimulate an immune response.

3. Surgical Removal: In cases where other treatments have failed, surgical removal of the wart may be indicated. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and referral will be provided to a suitable surgeon.

Conclusion

Plantar warts can be painful and persistent, but cryotherapy offers a quick and effective way to remove them and relieve your discomfort. At Bondi Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists are skilled in using cryotherapy and other treatments to manage plantar warts and get you back on your feet pain-free.

If you’re dealing with plantar warts and want to explore your treatment options, contact Bondi Podiatry today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you walk comfortably again!