Why Verrucas Hurt: The Hidden Pain Beneath the Surface

More Than Skin Deep

You might look at a verruca and think, "It’s just a small bump, how bad can it be?" But anyone who's had one knows: these little nuisances can feel like stepping on a sharp stone every time you walk.

So why exactly do verrucas hurt? It’s not just what’s on the surface—it’s what’s happening underneath.

Let’s take a closer look at the sneaky reasons verrucas cause discomfort and, most importantly, what you can do about it.

First Things First: What Is a Verruca?

A verruca is a type of wart that forms on the sole of your foot. Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), verrucas are stubborn viral infections that invade the top layers of your skin.

But it’s not the virus itself that causes pain—it’s the body’s reaction to it, and the location of the verruca, that make it such a problem.

The Mechanics of Pain: Pressure and Placement

Your feet bear the full weight of your body. When you have a verruca, especially in high-pressure areas like the heel or ball of your foot, you’re essentially walking on the problem.

Here’s why that matters:

• Verrucas grow inwards: Because of constant pressure from standing and walking, verrucas don’t grow outwards like other warts—they’re pushed into the foot.

• Nerve endings are compressed: The inward growth can press on sensitive nerve endings beneath the skin, triggering pain signals.

• Pain with movement: As you shift your weight while walking, the verruca repeatedly irritates those nerves.

🔎 Fun Fact: Even tiny verrucas can cause big discomfort because of the amount of force applied to them with every step.

Inflammation: Your Body’s Alarm System

When the body detects an intruder like HPV, it launches an immune response. This leads to:

• Redness and swelling

• Tenderness around the area

• Inflamed tissue pressing on nerves

The inflammation isn’t just an immune system by-product—it directly contributes to the pain you feel, especially in tight shoes or after long periods of standing.

Micro Trauma: The Daily Damage

Every time you walk, run, or stand, you’re placing micro-trauma on the verruca site. Over time, this daily stress builds up:

• Worsening soreness after activities

• Increased sensitivity when pressure is applied

• Potential for spreading the infection through tiny cracks in the skin

This is why verrucas often feel more painful after exercise or a long day on your feet.

Secondary Skin Changes: Hard Skin Build-Up

Another hidden culprit is the body’s natural defence mechanism. To protect the area, your skin thickens around the verruca, forming a callus.

While this sounds helpful, the hard skin can actually make things worse:

• Extra pressure on the area

• Hard skin pressing down on nerves

• Difficulty in treating the verruca effectively at home

So, What Can You Do About It?

The good news is: you don’t have to live with the pain.

✅ Professional Diagnosis

A podiatrist can confirm if it’s a verruca (not a corn or something else) and recommend the right treatment.

✅ Swift Microwave Therapy (Our Gold Standard)

Unlike surface treatments, Swift uses microwave energy to tackle the virus at its source, encouraging your body to clear the infection naturally.

• ⚡️ Rapid sessions

• 🎯 Targets the root cause

• 🚫 No need for dressings or downtime

✅ Relieve Pressure

Protective padding or custom insoles can reduce daily impact on the area while you’re undergoing treatment.

✅ Keep Feet Healthy

Dry feet, breathable footwear, and good hygiene can prevent the spread and support recovery.

📞 Need help? Book your consultation with We Fix Feet: Call 0115 9328832 or visit We Fix Feet

Final Thoughts: Understanding the Pain for Better Recovery

Verrucas hurt not because they’re large or visible, but because they interfere with your body’s most hardworking structures—your feet!

By understanding why the pain occurs, you can take targeted action to treat the cause, not just the symptoms.

🚶‍♂️ Don’t let foot pain slow you down—seek professional help and take the first confident step towards recovery today!