Quick answer: Plantar warts are skin growths on the sole caused by HPV; they can be stubborn and sometimes painful when on a pressure point. Many respond to in-office treatments — and we offer Swift microwave therapy, a modern, highly effective option — alongside cryotherapy, topical acids/cantharidin, and, for resistant warts, debridement or excision. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, we tailor wart removal to your skin and lifestyle. Book online or call (810) 206-1402.
★ 4.9-star rated by Michigan patients on Google · Swift microwave therapy available · Same-week appointments
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Swift microwave therapy & more · same-week appointments at both Michigan offices
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Plantar Wart Removal in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Plantar warts are common and harmless in most people, but they can be painful, spread, and resist over-the-counter remedies. Professional treatment clears them faster and reduces recurrence — especially with newer options like Swift.
What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) entering the skin through small breaks on the sole. Because they’re on a weight-bearing surface, they often grow inward under a callus and can feel like stepping on a pebble. Tell-tale signs include tiny black dots (clotted vessels) and pain with side-to-side pinching.
Treatment options
- Swift microwave therapy — a quick in-office treatment that uses precise microwave energy to trigger your immune system to clear the wart; well-tolerated and effective, often for stubborn warts.
- Cryotherapy — freezing the wart.
- Topical acids / cantharidin — medical-strength applications stronger than OTC products.
- Debridement — trimming the overlying callus to relieve pressure and boost treatment effect.
- Excision — for resistant or large warts when appropriate.
We often combine approaches and tailor the plan to how many warts you have, where they are, and your skin type.
Why see a podiatrist (vs. drugstore remedies)?
Plantar warts on pressure points are notoriously stubborn, and OTC treatments often fail or damage surrounding skin. We confirm it’s actually a wart (corns and other lesions look similar), use stronger and more targeted treatments, and reduce the chance it spreads or returns. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, don’t self-treat — see us.
Why patients choose Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin are board-certified and rated 4.9 stars by Michigan patients on Google, and we offer modern options (including Swift) that many offices don’t. We’re gentle with kids and thorough with stubborn cases.
Visit us — two Michigan offices
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell
4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Livingston County · (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:30 PM · Free on-site parking
Balance Foot & Ankle — Bloomfield
43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Oakland County · (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:30 PM · Serving Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, Troy & West Bloomfield
Request your wart evaluation →
Frequently asked questions
Are plantar warts dangerous?
For most people they’re harmless, just uncomfortable or persistent. They can spread and be painful on pressure points. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, have any foot lesion checked rather than self-treating.
Can children get plantar warts removed?
Yes — warts are common in kids, and we use gentle, age-appropriate treatments. Swift and other options can be tailored for younger patients.
Does plantar wart removal hurt?
Most treatments are well-tolerated. Some cause brief discomfort; we manage this and choose the gentlest effective option for you, especially for children.
Will my wart come back after removal?
Because warts are viral, recurrence is possible. Professional treatment (and immune-activating options like Swift) lowers that risk compared with OTC remedies, and we’ll advise on prevention.
What is Swift microwave therapy for warts?
Swift delivers precise microwave energy to the wart, stimulating your immune system to recognize and clear the HPV. It’s quick, needs no dressings or anesthetic, and is effective for stubborn plantar warts.
How many Swift sessions will I need?
It varies by wart size, number, and how long you’ve had them — many patients need a few sessions spaced a few weeks apart. We’ll estimate after evaluating your warts.
Is plantar wart removal covered by insurance?
Medically necessary wart treatment is often covered; some specific modalities vary by plan. We verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket cost up front.
Want plantar wart removal near you? Balance Foot & Ankle removes stubborn plantar warts with in-office options including Swift microwave therapy and cryotherapy at our Bloomfield Township office (Oakland County) and Howell office (Livingston County). Book online or call (810) 206-1402.
More questions patients ask
What is the fastest treatment for plantar warts?
Swift microwave therapy is the newest and fastest plantar wart treatment with up to 83% success. Other effective options include cantharidin (blister beetle treatment), Swift immunotherapy, laser treatment, and surgical excision. Balance Foot & Ankle offers all treatment options in Howell and Bloomfield Township, MI.
Can plantar warts go away on their own?
Yes, but it can take 1-2 years. Professional treatment resolves warts much faster and reduces risk of spreading. Plantar warts in diabetics and immunocompromised patients should always receive professional treatment.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.