Plantar warts are a painful and persistent problem for runners who suffer from them. They are caused by a virus that penetrates the sole of the foot. In runners, this virus typically finds its way through damaged areas of the foot, or areas that endure repetitive stress. Moist places such as locker rooms, pools and showers where skin residue is left behind are most often where plantar warts are spread.
Identification
Plantar warts are often mistaken for corns or calluses, and the reverse is sometimes true, according to Dr. Stephen Pribut, a podiatric sports medicine specialist in Washington, D.C. Any suspicious growth on the sole of the foot should be examined by a specialist, since identification can be difficult. Like corns and calluses, warts are generally flat. However, plantar warts feature a more defined peripheral boundary, are generally gray and are dotted with black spots, indicating bleeding. Plantar warts can grow to more than an inch in diameter if left untreated and may spread.
Prevention/Solution
A few simple preventive measures can help you avoid plantar warts. Wearing sandals or shoes in public areas, avoiding walking barefoot in moist areas such as locker rooms and pools, avoiding direct contact with warts you might have on other parts of the body with the bottom of the foot, keeping feet clean and dry and quickly addressing any changes in your skin are all effective prevention methods.
Self-Treatment
Self-treatment is generally not advised, since plantar warts can easily be misdiagnosed. But if you're certain you have plantar warts, some over-the-counter preparations are available. These products contain acids that destroy skin cells. Some runners can even run with plantar warts by using acidic preparations and applying foot pads that raise the skin around the wart to relieve pressure.
Office Treatment
Specialist treatments of plantar warts are varied. One frequent approach is the use of an acid preparation, such as salicylic acid, combined with careful trimming of the wart. In more extreme cases, specialists have turned to surgical removal, electrical destruction, freezing or laser removal.
Considerations
If left untreated, plantar warts can become an enormous headache for a runner and even lead to extended time away from the roads or treadmill. Pribut advises seeking professional advice for warts, particularly if they persist, spread or cause any pain. Diabetics and those with circulatory, immunological or neurological problems should avoid self-treating with acid preparations.
