If you're experiencing a painful spot on the bottom of your foot that looks like a small, rough bump, you might be dealing with a plantar wart. These warts can be stubborn, uncomfortable, and even embarrassing—but the good news is that they are treatable with expert help from a podiatrist.

At our podiatry practice in Marietta, Georgia, we see plantar warts regularly and help patients of all ages get back on their feet—pain-free and confident.

What Causes Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, often on the soles of the feet. While there are many strains of HPV, the ones that cause plantar warts are not the same as those that cause genital warts.

You’re more likely to pick up the virus in warm, moist environments like:

• Public swimming pools
• Locker rooms
• Gyms with shared showers
• Yoga or martial arts studios where people go barefoot
• Local splash pads or water parks in Marietta
• HPV is highly contagious, and you can even spread it from one part of your foot to another—or from one person to another—if you’re not careful.

Common Symptoms of Plantar Warts

• Small, grainy growths on the bottom of your foot, especially on the heel or ball
• A tough, thickened layer of skin over the wart (like a callus)
• Black pinpoints in the center of the wart (small clotted blood vessels)
• Pain when walking or standing
• Because plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure from walking, they can feel like stepping on a pebble and cause significant discomfort over time.

How a Podiatrist Treats Plantar Warts

While some over-the-counter treatments may help, podiatrists offer more effective and long-lasting solutions, especially for stubborn or recurring warts. Treatments may include:

• Prescription-strength salicylic acid: to gradually remove the wart layer by layer
• Cryotherapy: freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen
• Laser therapy: targeting the blood vessels feeding the wart
• Minor surgical removal: for larger or resistant warts
• Immune therapy: to stimulate your body’s natural defenses to fight the virus
• Our team will evaluate your wart and recommend the best course of action based on its size, location, and how long it’s been present.

Where Do People in Marietta, Georgia Pick Up Plantar Warts?

We’ve treated patients from all over the Marietta area who have likely picked up plantar warts in:

• Local gyms like LA Fitness or Planet Fitness
• Kennestone Hospital showers or changing areas
• Youth sports facilities and school locker rooms
• City parks and recreation centers, like the East Cobb Park splash pad
• Community pools at apartment complexes or neighborhood HOAs
• Wearing flip-flops in these environments, drying your feet thoroughly, and avoiding direct contact with surfaces can help reduce your risk.

Don’t Let Plantar Warts Slow You Down

If you think you have a plantar wart, don’t wait. Early treatment can reduce pain, prevent the wart from spreading, and speed up recovery.

Dr. Shaynah Goldfine and Dr. Ryan Goldfine, trusted podiatrists in Marietta, Georgia, are here to help. Whether it’s a simple treatment or a more advanced solution, we’ll find the right approach for you.

Need Help with a Plantar Wart?

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with a board-certified podiatrist. We’re conveniently located in Marietta, GA, and proudly serve East Cobb, Kennesaw, Hiram, Acworth, Smyrna, and surrounding communities.