It may be a plantar wart if you have a small growth on the heel or weight-bearing area of your foot. A plantar wart is noncancerous and caused by a viral infection. This virus gets into your body through skin breaks or a cut on the bottom of your foot. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about plantar warts.

What Is a Plantar Wart?

The plantar surface of your foot is the sole of your foot. A wart that grows into the sole of your foot is called a plantar wart.

How Do They Occur?

Warts are caused by viruses that are present everywhere. Some people get warts more easily than other people.

What Are the Symptoms?

You may notice a growth on the undersurface of your foot. It may grow directly into the sole of the foot, it may rise above the surface of the foot, or it may do both. You may have pain when you put weight on your foot.

How Are They Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine the sole of your foot and the wart.

How Are They Treated?

There are various ways to treat plantar warts. However, the warts are very tough, and it is sometimes difficult to treat them so they go away completely and don't grow back.