Is the painful spot, on the bottom of my foot, a wart or a callus?

A wart is a virus that invades your skin causing thickening in that area. It may or may not be painful, but usually will be painful when you squeeze the lesion from side to side. You may be able to see small black dots throughout the thickened skin. It will usually bleed easily once shaved down in the office. Sometimes they resolve on their own, but often need to be treated with a strong topical medication. Warts can be contagious and spread to other areas of the foot or to other family members.

A callus forms due to an area of pressure. There may be a prominent bone, or area of rubbing or friction, that the thickened skin is trying to protect. If a large amount of callus builds up in one area, it can become very painful and feel like you are walking on a rock. These are usually treated by shaving them down and using padding or inserts in your shoes to decrease pressure and friction on the area.

Either of these conditions can be easily treated in the office. If you aren’t sure if you have a wart or callus, or are having foot pain of any kind, please call our office for an appointment. (817) 656- 0303.