Swift Wart Treatment
At Advance Foot Clinic, our team of highly skilled, knowledgeable, and qualified podiatrists has the professional capabilities and years of experience required for assessing and treating practically any lower limb condition, including specific foot health concerns like plantar warts.
Not only are our staff known for being friendly and efficient, but our management team has also ensured that our podiatrists have access to the very best and latest equipment in the industry. This way, our patients are guaranteed to receive the highest quality of care.
So to uphold this standard, we are now able to offer our patients the most revolutionary medical microwave technology that has proven to be an effective treatment for the complete removal of warts.
What are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts, sometimes referred to as “cauliflower” warts on the feet, are a common Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection that forms on the outer layer of the skin. The reason they’re sometimes referred to as cauliflowers is due to their round growth formation, combined with an uneven, bubbly surface that resembles the vegetable. Often, tiny red or black spots can be seen on the wart due to its blood supply.
Although HPV related warts can appear anywhere on the body, plantar warts refer specifically to the warts that form on the soles of the feet. Typically, plantar warts form as a myriad of tiny skin papules that feel rough at the touch. Plantar warts can occur alone or in small clusters. If left untreated, the pain felt from the plantar warts can be debilitating, and the warts can spread and grow in number.
While eradicating plantar warts can be tricky, due to their ability to consistently evade the body’s immune system, the new Swift Microwave Therapy has a strong track record for effective wart treatment.
Signs you have a plantar wart
Plantar warts can be subtle at first, but there are a few telltale signs to watch out for, especially if you’re feeling discomfort when walking or standing. Unlike other skin conditions, plantar warts tend to form on weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the heels or balls of the foot, which can cause sharp, pressure-like pain.
Here are some common signs you might have a plantar wart:
- A rough, grainy growth on the sole of your foot, often on the heel or ball
- A hardened, thickened area of skin (sometimes mistaken for a callus)
- Tiny black or red dots in the centre of the lesion—these are small, clotted blood vessels
- Discomfort or pain when walking or standing, especially if the wart is under pressure
- A lesion that interrupts the natural lines and ridges of your skin
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth having them checked by a podiatrist. The earlier we assess the issue, the sooner we can treat it—before it spreads or causes more pain.
What is Swift Microwave Wart Treatment?
Swift Microwave wart treatment has an impressive 83% success rate—higher than any traditional treatment to date, including salicylic acid and cryotherapy.
So, what exactly is Swift Microwave Therapy? Well, it is a breakthrough technology available only to licensed Podiatrists and Dermatologists for the general treatment of certain skin lesions. Swift Microwave Therapy works by placing a special probe and delivering microwave energy directly to the virally infected cells. The energy is emitted in short, sudden bursts at a predetermined depth to ensure it targets only the affected tissue.
To get technical, the emission of energy to the infected skin cells induces a process called Heat Shock. This process helps the wart release heat shock proteins into the bloodstream, which kickstart the maturation of Langerhans cells. These cells then head to the lymph nodes, activating your immune system. From there, cytotoxic T cells are sent to target the infection and fight off the virus.
Benefits of Swift Microwave Therapy
Non-invasive and precise treatment
Swift uses targeted energy, ensuring that only the wart is treated without damaging the surrounding tissue, making it a safer and more precise option than traditional treatments.
Quick recovery time
Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume normal activities immediately after the session, with no need for bandages or extended downtime.
Effective for stubborn warts
With an impressive 83% success rate, it is especially beneficial for stubborn plantar warts that do not respond to other treatments, such as salicylic acid or cryotherapy.
Minimal side effects
The treatment is generally well-tolerated, with only mild, temporary skin sensitivity in some cases, making it a low-risk option for most individuals.
Plantar Wart Treatment at Advance Foot Clinic
At Advance Foot Clinic, we take a precise and effective approach to treating plantar warts using Swift Microwave Therapy. Each treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs and includes the following steps:
Assessment and diagnosis
Before starting any treatment, one of our experienced podiatrists will assess the wart to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate course of action.
Treatment planning
Based on your assessment, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan. This will include how many Swift sessions you may need, depending on the severity and how your body’s immune system responds.
Swift Microwave Therapy
The wart is treated with brief pulses of microwave energy, heating the affected tissue for just a few seconds. Most patients experience mild discomfort, and there is no damage to the surrounding skin. It feels a bit like a burn, but once it is over the pain disappears.
Number of sessions
Your podiatrist will assess how your body responds to Swift therapy and determine how many treatments are needed. Most patients require 3 to 4 sessions, spaced approximately 4 weeks apart, but this can vary depending on your immune response and the severity of the wart.
Follow-up and support
Throughout your treatment, we’ll monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed. Our team is here to answer your questions and ensure you feel supported at every step.
After Treatment Care
Another amazing benefit of the Swift wart therapy is that typically, there’s no aftercare treatment necessary. Any pain and discomfort experienced during treatment should cease immediately afterwards. There have been some reports of skin sensitivity for about 12-72 hours post-therapy, however this is not a common occurrence.
There is also no requirement for covering or applying aftercare chemicals to the skin. Once the treatment is complete, patients are able to put their shoes straight back on and walk out of the clinic. And no waiting period is needed to resume normal activities such as exercising and swimming.
Your trusted partner for foot health
Why Choose Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry
Experienced and qualified podiatrists
At Advance Foot Clinic, our team of podiatrists are experienced, highly skilled, and knowledgeable. All of our podiatrists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), so you can rest assured your feet are in good hands.
Personalised treatment plans
When you put your trust in our clinic, we guarantee exceptional client support and services. We take the time to sit down with you for a consultation and discuss the most suitable, comprehensive and personalised treatment plan that'll get you back on your feet as soon as possible.
Advanced technology
We invest in industry-leading technology to provide the best outcomes for our patients. With access to the latest in podiatry care, you can be confident you're receiving safe, effective and precise treatment.
Five convenient locations
With four locations across Brisbane and a dedicated Mt Isa clinic, expert podiatry care is always within reach.. We make it easy to book, easy to visit, and easy to stay on top of your foot health—no matter your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Generally, most people who are experiencing stubborn plantar warts can receive Swift Microwave Therapy. However, there can be exceptions, so it’s always important to have an assessment with a trained podiatrist first. At Advance Foot Clinic, our team of podiatrists can help determine if this wart treatment option is right for you.
This treatment is highly safe, with minimal risk to surrounding tissue. The technology uses a low-thermal-energy form of non-ionising radiation, which means it doesn’t carry the risks associated with other, more intense forms of radiation that can cause serious tissue damage.
The temperature range of a Swift treatment is between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius (not many degrees warmer than a typical hot bath). The rapid heating of the wart is usually experienced as a brief, sharp warmth, causing only minor discomfort for 1 to 2 seconds. In most cases, this process is repeated on each skin lesion between 4 to 12 times. People undergoing Swift liken the experience to a tiny prick or mild injection.
While the treatment is brief, we understand that pain levels vary, and everyone experiences discomfort differently. There is generally no expected pain post-treatment.
There are various ways to treat warts, including over-the-counter treatments, cryotherapy (freezing), salicylic acid applications, and laser treatments. However, Swift Microwave Therapy stands out for its precision and effectiveness in targeting the infected tissue directly, making it an excellent solution for warts that don’t respond to other treatments.
Take the first step towards happy and healthy feet.
Ready to give your feet the care they deserve? Book your appointment online or call us and experience our expert podiatry services at any of our five clinic locations.