Plantar warts are skin growths that develop on the soles of the feet. They are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. The virus enters through tiny cuts or weakened areas in the skin. Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, can appear alone or in a cluster, called a mosaic wart. Because pressure from standing pushes the growth inward, it usually looks flat rather than raised. Signs include a rough patch, tiny black dots, and thickened skin. The black dots are small blood vessels, not dirt. A wart on a weight-bearing area can cause sharp pain or tenderness when walking.

Plantar warts spread through direct contact with HPV or surfaces carrying the virus. Damp floors in locker rooms, public showers, and pool areas create settings where exposure can occur. Infection is more likely when the skin is wet, cracked, or scraped. The virus can also move to another part of the foot when a wart is scratched or picked. Not every rough spot is a wart. Corns, calluses, and other skin growths can look similar. A podiatrist can examine the area, trim away a small amount of thick skin, and check for signs that confirm the diagnosis. This evaluation is especially important if the growth bleeds, changes appearance, or causes persistent pain.

Treatment depends on the wart’s size, depth, and location. The podiatrist also considers how it affects daily activity. Office care includes carefully applied chemical treatments or cryotherapy, which freezes affected tissue. Stubborn warts can require repeated visits because the virus can remain in nearby skin. A podiatrist can reduce thick skin, ease pressure, and protect painful areas with padding or off-loading devices. Treatment requires extra care for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in the feet. Follow-up visits help track healing and address returning growths. If you have developed a planter wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Big toe pain can interfere with walking, balance, and daily activities. The big toe joint, also known as the first metatarsophalangeal joint, plays a major role in movement because body weight is transferred through this area with each step. This constant pressure makes the joint more vulnerable to strain and injury. Once damaged, the big toe can take a long time to heal due to its frequent use and limited ability to rest during normal activity.

Symptoms of big toe pain may include stiffness, swelling, and tenderness surrounding the joint. Some individuals experience sharp pain during movement, while others notice a dull ache that worsens with walking or standing. Reduced range of motion can make it difficult to bend the toe, and in some cases, visible deformities may develop. Pain may be mild at first, but can progress if the underlying cause is not addressed. Early attention to symptoms can help prevent long term complications.

There are several common causes of big toe pain. Arthritis can lead to joint inflammation and cartilage breakdown, resulting in stiffness and discomfort. Bunions, which are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, can shift the joint out of alignment and create pressure. Ingrown toenails can also cause localized pain, especially when the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Injuries, repetitive stress, and wearing improper footwear may further contribute to irritation in this area.

Risk factors for big toe pain include aging, excess body weight, and activities that place repeated stress on the foot. Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes can increase pressure on the joint and worsen symptoms. Certain foot structures, such as flat feet or high arches, may also affect how weight is distributed. Managing these factors can support joint health and reduce discomfort. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Proper shoe fit is essential both for maintaining foot health and preventing pain. Wearing the correct shoe size supports natural foot alignment and reduces pressure on sensitive areas. A proper fit means the shoe provides enough space for the toes, a secure heel, and adequate support for the arch. Many people wear shoes that are too tight or too loose, which can lead to discomfort and long-term issues. Understanding how to fit shoes correctly helps reduce the risk of foot problems and improves daily comfort.

Symptoms of poorly-fitted shoes often include foot pain, blisters, and pressure points. Wearing tight shoes can compress the toes and lead to conditions such as bunions or hammertoes. Loose shoes may cause the foot to slide, creating friction and instability. Some individuals experience arch pain or heel discomfort due to lack of support. These symptoms can worsen with continued use of improperly fitted shoes, and may affect walking and posture.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of wearing the wrong shoe size. Not having feet measured regularly is a common issue, as foot size can change over time. Shopping early in the day may result in selecting shoes that feel tight later, since feet tend to swell in the afternoon. Failing to try on both shoes or ignoring width can also lead to poor fit. The main cause of many foot problems is improper sizing, which places uneven pressure on the foot structure.

To ensure a proper fit, it is best to visit a store and have both feet measured in the store. Shopping in the afternoon allows for a more accurate fit when feet are slightly expanded. Walking in the shoes before purchasing helps confirm comfort and stability. If you have foot pain from wearing shoes that do not fit right, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief solutions, and additional guidance tips.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendon bursitis develops when a bursa becomes irritated near the back of the heel where the tendon attaches. The bursa, a small sac of fluid, helps reduce friction between the tendon and nearby tissues. When it becomes inflamed, pain and swelling can make walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable. Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis affects young women more frequently than other groups. One important risk factor is wearing high-heeled shoes. Another is a Haglund deformity, which is a bony bump on the back of the heel bone. Repeated rubbing between this bony area and the back of a shoe can irritate the bursa and lead to ongoing inflammation. Symptoms include redness, warmth, and tenderness near the back of the heel. 

A podiatrist diagnoses Achilles tendon bursitis by discussing symptoms and examining the back of the heel. The location of the pain and the presence of the tender lump help confirm the diagnosis. Imaging tests also help identify a Haglund deformity or rule out other causes of heel pain. Conditions affecting the Achilles tendon can cause similar discomfort, but they usually do not produce the soft lump that develops with bursitis. An accurate diagnosis is important because treatment depends on identifying the exact source of the pain.

Treatment focuses on reducing irritation surrounding the inflamed bursa and preventing further pressure against the heel. A podiatrist recommends shoes that fit properly and have lower heels. Custom orthotics can improve foot stability and reduce stress on the back of the heel while walking. Protective padding also helps reduce rubbing between the shoe and the irritated area. When symptoms continue despite conservative care, surgery to remove the bony prominence or inflamed tissue can be recommended. If you have Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.