Plantar warts are noncancerous growths that develop on the soles of the feet as a result of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV enters the body through tiny breaks in the skin, which are often present beneath pressure points in the feet on the heels or balls. These warts appear on the skin as a small, hard bump that may be gray or brown with well-defined boundaries. In some patients, they may cause pain or tenderness when walking.

While plantar warts are not usually a serious condition, many patients experience pain or embarrassment regarding this condition. Plantar warts can be removed through several different noninvasive procedures, including cryotherapy (freezing), laser surgery, cantharidin, immunotherapy and medication injections. Your doctor will decide which treatment option is best for you based on your individual condition. Some plantar warts may not require any treatment at all.