Child limping before a recital? It could be a plantar wart

If the pain is significant, children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be given according to the child’s age and weight to manage both pain and inflammation. One thing to avoid entirely: cutting, scraping, or picking at the wart. Doing so risks bleeding, infection, and a sharp increase in pain — the opposite of the relief needed before a big event.

Several weeks

The typical duration needed for over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments to fully remove a plantar wart, even when applied consistently.

When home care is not enough: professional treatment and prevention

Certain symptoms mean a doctor should be seen without delay. If the child cannot put any weight on her foot, if the area shows signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, or if the pain remains severe despite home care, medical attention is needed urgently. These signs could point to an infection or a different condition requiring prompt treatment.

Podiatrist performing cryotherapy treatment on a patient's foot for plantar wart removal — Illustration © Toptenplay

When a podiatrist or pediatrician does evaluate the wart, several effective options are available. Cryotherapy — freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen — is one of the most common clinical approaches. Laser treatment can target and remove wart tissue more precisely. Stronger prescription medications or minor in-office procedures are also on the table depending on the size and persistence of the wart.

Preventing future plantar warts comes down to a few consistent habits. Having the child wear flip-flops or water shoes in public pools, locker rooms, and shared showers significantly reduces exposure to HPV on wet surfaces. Keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, and covering any cuts or scrapes promptly all lower the risk. Regular checks of the soles for unusual spots allow problems to be caught early, before they become painful enough to cause a limp.

The immediate priority is managing the pain safely so the child can get through her recital — cushioned padding, a warm soak, and appropriate children’s pain relief are the tools available tonight. Once the performance is over, a visit to a podiatrist or pediatrician should be scheduled to assess the wart and discuss whether cryotherapy, prescription treatment, or another clinical option is the right course. If redness, swelling, or an inability to bear weight develops before then, that appointment becomes urgent rather than routine.