Finding a wart on the sole of your foot can be annoying and painful. Plantar warts are warts that grow on the plantar surface of the foot and, like all warts, they are caused by the human papillomavirus. All types of warts eventually subside, even without treatment. But if they are slow to leave, certain treatments can speed up the process.SymptomsPlantar warts may arise quite suddenly and appear as calloused bumps on the foot. They are often painful, scaly and rough. If you look closely, you may be able to see small dark pinpoints, which are tiny blood clots that occur as a result of the infection. Warts can appear anywhere on the human skin, but pressure seems to encourage them and make them especially tender.Home TreatmentWarts generally resolve with time, but treating them may be desired when the wart is painful or makes it difficult to walk. Certain steps can be taken to resolve the pain or kill the infection. Applying ring-shaped moleskin provides temporary relief. You can also remove much of the thick build-up of skin to eliminate some pain. To accomplish this, soak the foot in warm water and rub the callus away with a pumice stone. Over-the-counter wart removal products contain salicylic acid which, when applied, can dissolve away the wart. Such products must be used carefully.Medical TreatmentIf home treatments fail to get rid of a plantar wart on a timely basis, more intensive medical procedures can be sought. Physicians may apply an acid to burn away the wart. Alternatively, they may apply liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill the wart within a few days. Some doctors may choose to kill the growth with an electrical or ultrasonic device, then cut it away to remove it. Advancements in medical technology allow the possibility of laser removal, though this may cause scarring. Always discuss your options carefully with your doctor before making a decision on treatment.