Warts Specialist
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Foot and Ankle Institute of Iowa
Rudolph La Fontant, DPM
Podiatrist, Sports Medicine, and Podiatric Dermatology located in Beaverdale, Des Moines, IA
Warts are small, painful growths that can develop at any time, making it difficult to stand, exercise, or even go for a walk. At the Foot and Ankle Institute of Iowa, podiatrist Rudolph La Fontant, DPM, treats warts using The Swift System®. The quick, outpatient procedure is pain-free and provides lasting results. To make an appointment at the practice in Des Moines, Iowa, call the office today or click the online booking feature.
Warts Q & A
What are warts?
Warts are small, flesh-colored growths that form on the weight-bearing areas of your feet. They develop when a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) breaks through your skin via a cut or another opening.
Anyone can experience a wart, but they’re especially common in children and teenagers. Most warts resolve on their own, but if yours interfere with your quality of life, contact Dr. La Fontant right away.
What are the symptoms of warts?
Symptoms of warts include:
- Small, grainy growths on the bottom of your foot
- Hard, thickened skin that looks like a callus
- A bump (or bumps) with a visible black spot in the middle
- Pain when walking or standing
If you have warts in several places, you might also experience discomfort when wearing shoes.
When should I see a podiatrist about warts?
Make an appointment with Dr. La Fontant if your wart:
- Bleeds, is painful, or changes color
- Fails to respond to conservative, at-home treatments
- Interferes with daily activities like work or exercise
- Returns following treatment
It’s also a good idea to visit Dr. La Fontant if you develop a wart and you have a weakened immune system or an underlying medical condition like diabetes.
Do warts increase my risk of other complications?
Yes. If you have warts on the bottom of your feet, they may cause you to change your posture or gait. Over time, these changes can affect the way you stand, walk, or run, increasing the risk of a slip and fall or overuse injury.
How are warts diagnosed?
To diagnose warts, Dr. La Fontant asks about your symptoms and examines your feet. Then, he carefully assesses each lesion. If he suspects the growth is something other than a wart, Dr. La Fontant might remove a small piece with a scalpel and send it to a laboratory for analysis.
How are warts treated?
Dr. La Fontant uses a cutting-edge treatment, called The Swift System, to manage warts. The Swift System uses a state-of-the-art device to direct precise microwave energy at your wart (or warts). The microwave energy destroys the virus and encourages your body’s natural healing response.
Treatment with The Swift System only takes five to 10 minutes. As soon as you’re finished, Dr. La Fontant wraps your feet with a dressing and provides care instructions.
To receive treatment for warts, make an appointment at the Foot and Ankle Institute of Iowa by calling the office today or clicking the online scheduling feature.
