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If you’ve been dealing with plantar warts, you know how frustrating they can be. They can make every step uncomfortable, linger for months, and often don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments. You may have even tried freezing or medicated pads, only to see the wart return.
You don’t have to keep guessing or repeating treatments that don’t work. At NYC Foot & Ankle Center in the Manhattan Valley neighborhood of the Upper West Side, you have access to SWIFT wart treatment, an advanced, noninvasive option designed to target the root cause of your wart and help your body clear it more effectively.
Warts are small growths that develop on your skin and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters your skin through tiny breaks.
Plantar warts are a specific type of wart caused by certain HPV strains, including types 1, 2, 3, 4, 27, and 57. They often develop in areas that bear weight, like your heel or the ball of your foot. The word “plantar” just means that they form on your sole.
You may notice:
Because they develop on pressure points, plantar warts can become increasingly painful the longer they’re left untreated.
SWIFT treatment for warts goes beyond the surface. Instead of simply removing your wart (or warts), it targets the underlying HPV virus that causes them.
During treatment, our team uses controlled microwave energy to:
Because of this dual action, SWIFT is often more effective and longer-lasting than traditional treatments like freezing or topical medications.
Over-the-counter options have a success rate of about 50% over six weeks. Microwave therapy with SWIFT treatment has a success rate of over 83.3%.
Treatment is quick, straightforward, and performed in our office, typically taking 30–45 minutes.
At NYC Foot & Ankle Center, your podiatrist first cleans the area and may use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. They then use a small probe to apply the microwave energy to the wart.
Most people need only one treatment, although follow-up sessions may be recommended if you have multiple warts.
You can return to your normal routine immediately after your visit. Some people experience mild soreness or swelling, but it typically improves within a day or two.
As your immune system responds, the wart gradually breaks down and clears without the need for ongoing at-home treatments.
You should continue to practice good foot hygiene to reduce your risk of future warts. This includes wearing shoes in public spaces or locker rooms, cleaning your feet daily, and not sharing linens, socks, or towels with others.
Call NYC Foot & Ankle Center today to schedule a consultation and find out whether SWIFT wart treatment is right for you, so you can get back to walking comfortably again.