Plantar warts are a common condition we treat at Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates. They are noncancerous skin growths that commonly occur on the soles of your feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus which enters the body through tiny openings or cuts in the feet. They most commonly occur in children or patients with autoimmune deficiencies.  Most plantar warts are not serious in nature, but if left untreated can spread to other parts of the body and even become painful.

They often occur as a small flesh-colored callus on the bottom of the foot. They typically have black pinpoint discoloration in the middle of the lesion which is a characteristic feature of plantar warts. They can present as a single lesion, as multiple lesions or one large lesion called a mosaic wart.

Left untreated they can potentially disappear on their own, but commonly take up to 7 years to do so. Because of its potential to spread and cause pain it is better to have it treated as soon as possible. Even though they are a virus they are not highly contagious.

There are many different treatment options for treating plantar warts such as topical treatments, injection therapy and laser destruction. We perform all these treatments at all four of our offices located in Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, Port Orange, and Orange City. Each treatment is chosen depending on the size, location and effectiveness of other treatments in the past.

The topical treatment is the most commonly used method of treatment in our office for single lesions. This consists of debriding (trimming) the wart and then applying a strong salicylic acid compound to the area. This is effective roughly 85-90% of the time. If unfortunately this method fails after two or three attempts then an injection therapy is usually performed. This is where we inject a live yeast under the wart and in response the body fights and rids both the yeast and wart simultaneously. If this too fails, then our laser method is our last line of defense for this condition. This is more aggressive in which we numb the area with a local anesthetic and then burn the wart with a high power laser. Though this is a highly effective treatment method it does have a downside in which there is an increase of healing time (3 to 4 weeks).

Preventive medicine is the best medicine for plantar warts. This consists of avoiding direct contact to warts, keeping your feet clean and dry, avoid going barefoot in public areas, don't pick at warts (this may cause them to spread), and washing your hands. If you feel you may have a plantars wart do not hesitate to treat it. The sooner it is treated, the better the outcome.

By Dr. Andrew Green, DPM

Bunions are often described as a bump on the side of the great toe joint. But a bunion is more than that.  This visible bony prominence actually reflects changes in the framework in the front of the foot.  With a bunion the big toe leans toward the second toe rather than point straight ahead thus causing the bones to become out of alignment.  This produces the bunion deformity.

What causes a bunion?  Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot, most commonly over flattening of the arch.  Although wearing tight fitting shoes can make the condition worse, (like Posh Spice is typically seen in), it cannot actually cause the deformity.

Bunion pain most commonly occurs when wearing shoes that crowd the toes.  This may explain why women are more likely to have symptoms than men.  Symptoms of bunion pain include inflammation or soreness around the great toe joint (most commonly while wearing shoes), numbness and tingling, and even early arthritis pain.  Other conditions which may appear with bunions include: calluses on the side of the great toe, sores between the first and second toe and ingrown toenails.

Bunions are common and can be easily recognized.  If bunion pain progresses you should follow up with a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon to further evaluate the condition.  X-rays are usually taken and reviewed during the time of the office appointment.

At Atlantic Podiatry Associates in Palm Coast, conservative therapy is always recommended during initial bunion pain.  This includes wearing non-irritating shoe gear, icing, anti-inflammatories, padding and a possible cortisone injection. If the condition worsens surgical treatment may be necessary.  Victoria Beckham’s bunions have reportedly gotten so bad that she’s getting ready for a bunionectomy.  This is performed as an outpatient surgery and the procedure may vary depending on the severity of the bunion.

By Dr. Andrew Green

Summer and fall is a time for wearing sandals and going barefoot for many people.  Unfortunately this can lead to multiple foot aches.  Most commonly heel pain, or as we refer to it in the office, plantar fasciitis.

This presents as pain in the bottom of the heel, usually worse in the morning or after rest. This is most commonly caused from the lack of support not given by many sandals, flip flops, or bare feet.  

The best way to combat this is by not wearing this type of shoe gear, and wearing supportive shoes at all times (even in the house).  In more severe cases you will need to wear orthotics in your shoes to give you added support through the heel and arch.  These can be provided for you at your podiatrist’s office.  They may be prefabricated or custom-made depending on the severity of the condition. 

Other keys to treating plantar fasciitis is by stretching, icing, and taking anti-inflammatories.  If this does not aid in your condition then it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your podiatrist, so he or she can assist you in treating this annoying and many times painful condition.

Many patients visit our offices located in Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, Port Orange and Orange City with a similar scenario as described above.  So whether you prefer to wear beachy summer sandals or six-inch heels like Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga, Atlantic Podiatry Associates can help. 

At Atlantic Podiatry Associates, one of our four doctors, Dr. Andrew B. Green, Dr. James W. Rust, Dr. Dennis B. McBroom, or Dr. Matthew J. Hentzel will be happy to discuss proper stretching exercises that will help lessen the pain associated with plantar fasciitis and which shoes will best help to prevent pain.

By Dr. Andrew B. Green