When to See a Podiatrist for Your Verruca
Here at Podocare, we know far too well just how painful (and stubborn!) verrucas can be. They often appear on the soles of the feet, sometimes as a single lesion, sometimes as a cluster. Though usually harmless, they can become painful, persistent, and difficult to manage without professional support. Whether you’ve been dealing with a verruca for a few months now, or you’ve just noticed a small patch that doesn’t seem quite right, it’s always worth getting it checked. Early treatment can often mean quicker results, and helps prevent the lesion from spreading or becoming more difficult to treat. But, how do you know when it’s time to seek professional advice? Below, we mention just some of the signs that it might be time to book an appointment – and how a podiatrist can help you get back on track.
What Is a Verruca?
A verruca is a type of wart that develops on the sole of the foot, usually in areas that bear weight, such as the heel or ball of the foot. Caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), verruca’s often appear as small, rough patches of thickened skin and may feature a tiny black dot in the centre – typically a clotted blood vessel. In some cases, verruca’s are painless and go largely unnoticed. In others, they can cause discomfort or a sharp, stabbing pain when standing or walking, especially if they grow inward due to pressure.
When Should You See Us?
You should consider professional care if:
The verruca is painful: If walking is uncomfortable or you’re adjusting your gait to avoid pressure, it’s time to seek help. This can reduce the risk of further issues like joint pain or poor posture due to compensation.
The verruca is spreading: Multiple verrucas (sometimes referred to as mosaic verrucae) are more difficult to treat and often indicate a more active or resilient infection. Early intervention can prevent further spread.
The verruca has lasted more than 3 months: Persistent verrucae rarely resolve on their own. If you’ve had the lesion for several months with no improvement, it’s unlikely to clear without treatment.
Self-treatment hasn’t worked: While over-the-counter options from your pharmacist may work for some small/minor verrucas, unfortunately this isn’t always the case. If you’ve already tried these without success, we can offer a more effective, targeted treatment plan.
You have a medical condition affecting circulation or immunity: If you have diabetes, reduced sensation in the feet, or a weakened immune system, you should always have foot conditions assessed professionally – even if they appear minor.
How We Treat Verrucas
At Podocare Podiatry and Chiropody Centre, we assess each case individually. Depending on the type, size, location and history of the verruca, we may recommend:
- Cryotherapy – freezing the lesion to destroy infected tissue
- Chemical treatments – using professionally applied topical agents
- Microwave therapy (Swift®) – a modern, highly effective method that targets the virus directly
In your consultation, we’ll talk through your options and help you choose the right course of treatment based on your circumstances.
