Plantar warts, also known as verrucae, are common viral lesions that develop on the soles of the feet. They can be stubborn, uncomfortable, and in some cases, painful to walk on.
At Sydney Podiatry Co in Balgowlah, we regularly treat patients from across the Northern Beaches, including Manly, Seaforth, Fairlight, Allambie and Mosman, who are seeking effective, up-to-date and evidence-based solutions for persistent plantar warts.
With the right diagnosis and evidence-based treatment plan, most verrucae can be successfully resolved.
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny breaks or abrasions on the feet.
HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why plantar warts are often picked up in communal areas such as:
Public swimming pools
Gym showers and change rooms
Saunas and spas
Shared footwear or socks
It’s important to know that warts are contagious, and the virus can spread both to other people and to other areas of your own feet.
Plantar warts can vary in appearance, but common signs include:
A thickened, callused patch on the sole
Small black dots (tiny blood vessels)
Pain or tenderness when walking or squeezing the lesion
A “stone in the shoe” sensation
Because plantar warts are often mistaken for corns or callus, professional assessment is recommended.
In some cases, plantar warts may resolve without treatment, but many persist for months or even years.
This is because HPV has the ability to evade the immune system, allowing the wart to remain hidden within the skin.
Early treatment is often advised, particularly if the wart is:
Painful
Spreading
Long-standing
Affecting sport, work or daily activity
Present in children or immunocompromised patients
At Sydney Podiatry Co, we offer a range of evidence-based plantar wart treatments. Your podiatrist will recommend the best option depending on the wart’s size, depth, location, and how long it has been present.
Swift is one of the most effective modern treatments for stubborn plantar warts.
It uses targeted microwave energy to heat the wart tissue, stimulating a strong immune response without damaging surrounding healthy skin.
Benefits of Swift include:
No cutting or open wound
No dressings required
Minimal downtime
Excellent results for long-standing verrucae
➡️ Learn more about Swift Wart Treatment in Balgowlah here:
Swift Wart Treatment
For select cases, we also offer Faulkner’s Needling, performed by our wart-treatment guru Chantelle, who has a special interest in managing persistent verrucae.
Needling works by creating a controlled immune response within the lesion, helping the body recognise and clear the HPV virus.
This option is often considered for:
Deep or resistant plantar warts
Warts that have failed other treatments
Patients wanting a definitive in-clinic approach
We will assess your suitability and discuss whether needling is the right option for you.
Salicylic acid is a well-established topical treatment that works by gradually breaking down wart tissue.
At our clinic, this is applied professionally after careful debridement for the best results.
Note* Several treatments are usually required.
Silver nitrate is another gentle chemical treatment option used to help destroy wart tissue over time.
This is often suitable for smaller verrucae, a great treatment for children and as part of a combined approach.
At Sydney Podiatry Co, we combine clinical excellence with a premium patient experience.
Patients choose us for:
Advanced wart treatments that are not widely available at many podiatry clinics
Modern options like SWIFT microwave therapy & Faulkners Needling
Convenient location in Balgowlah, Northern Beaches
Evidence-based, personalised treatment plans
Our goal is simple: to help you walk comfortably again, with confidence.
If you have a stubborn plantar wart or verruca that isn’t improving, we’d love to help.
Sydney Podiatry Co offers comprehensive plantar wart treatment in Balgowlah, welcoming patients from across the Northern Beaches and Mosman.
Call: (02) 9949 3327
Book online: via the BOOK ONLINE button
Email: reception@sydneypodiatryco.com.au
