WHAT ARE PLANTAR WARTS?
“Plantar” means “Of the sole” in Latin. Unlike other types of warts, plantar warts are typically quite painful as the pressure from walking and standing forces them to grow into your skin. Like all warts, Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus, specifically types 1, 2, 4, 60, and 63. Underneath the skin, the wart can have finger-like roots that reach down and grow, making them very difficult to treat effectively from the surface.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TREAT PLANTER WARTS?
PRO Medical Podiatry is now offering a new treatment option for plantar warts. Plantar warts are commonly treated with over the counter medication such as salicylic acid and freezing treatments. Dermatologists, pediatricians and podiatrists typically use liquid nitrogen, or stronger acids such as cantharidin and bleomycin injections. Most of these treatments cause pain and even some down time from daily activities.
A new treatment using microwave energy is used to directly target the root cause of plantar warts, the HPV Virus.
SAY GOODBYE TO PAINFUL PLANTER WARTS. SAY HELLO TO SWIFT.
With Swift technology Microwave energy is introduced to the skin, heating cells to 109-114 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat initiates an immune cascade which allows the body to detect and attack the HPV virus, ridding the body of this painful condition.
Unlike other treatments, swift technology does not have any painful side effects after the treatment. In fact, 98% of patients continue daily tasks, and resume sports and activities following treatment. The process typically requires 3-4 visits spaced one month apart. Each treatment is about 5-10 minutes. During each treatment the patient will receive multiple 2 second doses of microwave energy. Visits are spaced 4 weeks apart to coincide with the body’s immune cycle.
If you have any questions or want to say goodbye to your stubborn plantar warts, call the podiatry department at 425 861 6254 or schedule a through our podiatry web page by clicking here.
Written by: DR. J. MARI ADAD, DPM
Dr. J. Mari Adad is a Podiatric Physician specializing in Sports Medicine of the foot and ankle. He is Board Certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery, certified in Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment of plantar fasciitis. He completed his Fellowship in Podiatric Sports Medicine at the Virginia Mason Sports Medicine Clinic. Dr. Adad has been a practicing podiatrist since 1992.
