What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are benign growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that develop on the soles of the feet, often in areas of pressure like the heel or ball of the foot. They can appear as a single wart or in clusters, and they may be tender or painful with walking and standing.
Over-the-counter treatments such as salicylic acid pads are widely available, but they are often ineffective for deeper or more established warts. At-home methods can also cause skin damage around the wart when used without professional guidance. Many patients come to us after months of trying drugstore remedies without success.
A chiropodist can properly stage the wart, recommend the most appropriate treatment method, and monitor healing, which leads to better outcomes than self-treatment in most cases.
Swift Microwave Therapy at Mount Joy Foot Clinic
Mount Joy Foot Clinic offers Swift Microwave Therapy for plantar warts, one of the most advanced treatment options currently available in York Region. Swift delivers precise microwave energy directly into the wart tissue, triggering an immune response that allows the body to recognize and eliminate the HPV infection from within. It does not damage the surrounding skin, requires no anesthetic, and leaves no open wound.
Swift is particularly well suited for patients who have tried cryotherapy or acid-based treatments without lasting results, and for children and pain-averse adults who want a faster, less disruptive experience than surgical options.
Our Chiropodists, led by Suleman Bhatti, B.Sc, D.Ch, have been serving Markham and York Region since 2008. Mount Joy Foot Clinic is one of a small number of clinics in the region offering Swift Microwave Therapy alongside other advanced treatments, which allows us to match the right approach to each patient rather than defaulting to a single method.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Assessment
Treatment
Follow-Up
What Patients Can Expect
Swift Microwave Therapy has a strong clinical track record for plantar wart clearance, including for patients who have not responded to other treatments. Across published studies, clearance rates are consistently higher than those reported for cryotherapy alone.
Most patients experience:
- Resolution of the wart within two to four treatment sessions
- No scarring or open wound following treatment
- The ability to walk and return to normal activity immediately after each session
Results vary depending on the number and depth of warts, the patient's immune response, and how long the warts have been present. Your chiropodist will give you a realistic expectation at your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients describe a brief, localized heat sensation during the two-to-three-second application, which resolves immediately after. It is generally well tolerated by adults and children. No anesthetic is needed.
Most plantar warts respond within two to four sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. The number depends on the size, depth, and number of wart sites. Your chiropodist will assess progress at each visit.
Yes. Swift is a safe and effective option for children. The brief application time and lack of wound care make it particularly practical for younger patients. Suleman Bhatti, D.Ch, has training in pediatric foot care and is experienced with treating children at our Markham clinic.
Swift is not widely available in York Region. Mount Joy Foot Clinic is one of a small number of clinics in the area offering this treatment, alongside other advanced options like Lunula Laser and Onyfix nail correction.
Many extended health plans cover chiropody services. Coverage depends on your specific plan. We recommend confirming with your insurer before your appointment.
Book a Plantar Wart Assessment in Markham
Mount Joy Foot Clinic has been serving Markham and York Region since 2008. Suleman Bhatti, B.Sc, D.Ch, and our team of registered chiropodists are accepting new patients at our Swan Lake Plaza location.
To book an assessment, use the link below or call us at 905-209-8000.
