Microwave Therapy for Plantar Warts (Foot Warts)

Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They grow on the soles of the feet, where walking presses them inward, so they can be painful and stubborn.

When other treatments haven’t worked

Many of our patients come to us after trying other wart treatments, such as over-the-counter salicylic acid, freezing (cryotherapy), cantharidin (“beetle juice”), prescription creams like imiquimod, laser, burning (electrocautery) or having the wart cut out. SWIFT has cleared many of these stubborn warts.

How SWIFT works

SWIFT delivers short, precisely controlled pulses of microwave energy through a probe placed on the wart. The energy makes the water in the wart tissue vibrate, creating gentle, localized heat. That heat makes the virus-infected cells release proteins that HPV normally keeps hidden from your immune system. Once your immune system can see the virus, it recognizes it and targets the wart.

Results

In a 2023 published study of 150 plantar warts, 83% cleared after an average of 2.8 sessions, so most patients should plan on about three. Individual results vary.

What to expect

• Preparation: the wart’s surface is gently filed down first.
• During a session: most warts receive about five pulses of 2 seconds each. You may feel a brief, intense heat that fades quickly. There are no needles, no cutting and no numbing.
• Afterward: most patients carry on with normal activities right after each session.
• How many sessions: about three on average, spaced about four weeks apart to give your immune system time to respond. Your plan is discussed at your visit.

Before your treatment

Tell us if you have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, metal implants near the wart, reduced feeling in your feet (such as from diabetes), or are pregnant.

Individual results vary.