Plantar warts (Verruca Plantaris) are skin growths that are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Warts can develop anywhere on the foot, but they most commonly present as a hard, and often painful, thickened lesion on the sole of the foot. Dr. Schottenstein will examine the lesion, take a small biopsy, and then begin treatment as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed by the lab. Warts should be treated as soon as possible because they can easily be spread from person to person as well as to other places on the foot and elsewhere on the body. Surgical removal (excision) is rarely required for warts as there are numerous non-surgical treatments that are extremely effective at eliminating the lesion.