Do you suffer from frustrating warts on the soles of your feet? Are you tired of spending money on over-the-counter wart medications that do not work? A cutting-edge treatment known as Swift therapy could help banish your plantar warts for good. If you would like to learn more, and try this new technology, we encourage you to read our helpful guide below. 

What are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are rough lesions that appear, most commonly, on the balls and heels of the feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be contagious. While plantar warts do not represent a serious health problem, they can be unsightly and painful. These lesions can penetrate deep into the skin, making them difficult to treat with topical medicines. 

We recommend you seek treatment for plantar warts as soon as possible to avoid spreading this virus to your friends and family. The longer you leave warts untreated, the more likely they will persist. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should not hesitate in seeking treatment:

  • Pain on the bottom of the feet while walking (as if stones are in your shoes).
  • Crusted lesions on the feet, often featuring black dots.
  • Discomfort in the feet that affects everyday activities.
  • Circular spots on the skin which are depressed in the middle.

What is Swift Therapy?

Developed in the UK, Swift therapy is an FDA-cleared technology that uses microwave energy to eradicate plantar warts. The dose of microwave energy is low and targeted, meaning it is safe for almost all patients. However, we recommend speaking with our podiatrist before treatment if any of the following apply:

  • You have a pacemaker.
  • You are immune-suppressed.
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • You have metal plates or pins in your feet.
  • You suffer from poor circulation.
  • You have conditions that affect your body’s ability to heal.

One of the best things about Swift therapy is that it addresses the root cause of plantar warts by stimulating the body’s natural immune response. In this way, it ensures that the warts are treated below the surface and prevents frustrating recurrences. 

How Effective is Swift Therapy?

Swift therapy is the highest effective treatment for plantar warts, with one study demonstrating this treatment can completely clear around 80% of these pesky lesions. If you are tired of applying salicylic acid or other topical treatments that do not get to the root of the problem, Swift represents an effective and affordable option.

Swift Therapy for Warts
Swift Demo scaled

What Can I Expect During and After the Treatment?

Our doctor will apply a special probe to the affected areas of your feet for a few seconds. You may experience some discomfort during this time, but it will subside quickly, and you will be able to resume your daily activities immediately after your appointment. If you have multiple warts that need treatment, our practitioner will address them in a single session. Broadly speaking, an appointment will usually last ten to fifteen minutes, and our podiatrist will not ask you to restrict your activity, keep the foot dry, or apply medication at home between sessions.

Swift therapy does not require any anesthetic or dressings. However, some patients decide to apply a topic anesthetic around 45 minutes before their appointments to minimize pain.

Please be aware that you will not notice an immediately visible change in your warts following treatment. Most people start noticing improvements after a few days as the body’s immune response kicks into action. As the wart regresses, it will start to reduce in thickness and diameter.

Most people require more than one round of Swift therapy to ensure the wart is fully resolved. You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment a month after the initial treatment. The average person requires three rounds of Swift therapy to prevent their plantar warts from returning. However, you may need more sessions depending on factors such as age and immune response.

Contact Us Today for Safe and Effective Swift Therapy!

If you are interested in making the most of Swift treatment for plantar warts, we are ready and waiting to hear from you. Treating a wart in its early stages will improve your chances of a positive outcome and protect your loved ones from possibly developing warts. Call us today at (252) 638-4700 or fill out our contact form.