What Is Swift Microwave Therapy?
Swift is an FDA-cleared microwave therapy that treats stubborn skin and nail infections at the source. A small probe delivers precise, low-dose microwave energy to the affected tissue, raising the temperature in a controlled way that prompts your immune system to recognize and clear the infection. It is drug-free, needs no cutting or breaking of the skin, and requires no downtime, so you walk in and walk out the same day.
At To Healthy Feet Podiatry we use FDA-cleared SwiftPro technology. Not all microwave systems deliver the same results, because device quality, probe design, energy calibration, and clinical experience all affect the outcome. Our protocol pairs precisely controlled energy with single-use, sterile applicator tips for every patient, a non-ablative approach that does not damage healthy skin, nail, or surrounding tissue, and, for nail cases, a combined plan that adds topical antifungal therapy for stronger results.
Swift for Plantar Warts
Plantar warts, also called verruca plantaris, are painful growths on the soles of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters through tiny cuts or cracks in the skin and thrives in warm, moist places like locker room floors and public showers. Because walking and standing push the wart inward, many people describe a constant feeling of walking on a pebble, and warts can spread if left untreated. You can read more on our plantar warts page.
Swift targets the HPV virus causing the wart, treating the root cause rather than only the surface. Unlike acids, cryotherapy, or laser, it does not break the skin, produces no smoke or vapor, and needs no wound care or dressings afterward. It is a strong option if you have painful, stubborn, or multiple warts, if warts have not responded to salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or other treatments, if you are diabetic or not a candidate for surgery, or if you want a fast, minimally uncomfortable option with no recovery time.
Swift for Fungal Nail Infections
A fungal nail infection, known medically as onychomycosis, is caused by dermatophyte fungi that invade the nail plate and nail bed, the same organisms behind athlete's foot. It affects an estimated 10 percent of people and is especially common in active adults. Nails often become thickened, discolored, brittle, or crumbly, and in advanced cases the nail can separate from the nail bed. Because the infection lives deep within the nail, topical creams struggle to reach it, and oral antifungal medicines carry possible liver side effects and drug interactions. You can read more on our toenail fungus page.
Swift delivers targeted microwave energy through the nail plate to the nail bed where the fungus lives, without damaging the nail or surrounding tissue. The energy generates precise heat that disrupts the fungal organisms while prompting your immune system to clear the infection, treating the source rather than only the appearance of the nail. It is worth considering if topical treatments have not worked, if you prefer to avoid oral antifungal medication, if you have mild to moderate infection in one or more nails, or if you want a drug-free, non-surgical option with no recovery time.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatments are performed in our office and take about 5 to 30 minutes from start to finish, with no prep and no recovery. Your podiatrist applies a small probe directly to the treatment site, and the device delivers brief, precise bursts of microwave energy, each lasting only 2 to 3 seconds. The system is fully enclosed, so there is no contamination risk and no anesthesia is needed. Most patients feel a brief warming or mild stinging that stops the moment each application ends. There is no breaking of the skin, no bandages, and no wound care, so you put your sock and shoe back on and carry on with your day.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
For plantar warts, most patients need 2 to 3 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, about 5 to 10 minutes each, with complete resolution typically within 8 to 12 weeks. For fungal nails, the protocol is 6 sessions spaced roughly 2 weeks apart, under 30 minutes each, combined with topical antifungal for the best result. Because nails grow slowly, new healthy nail growth usually becomes visible within 3 to 6 months, with full regrowth taking 6 to 12 months. Our clinical team reviews your progress at every visit and adjusts your plan for the best possible outcome.
The Benefits
Swift treats the underlying cause rather than the surface, which lowers the chance of recurrence. There is no cutting, no bleeding, and no bandages, no anesthesia is required, and you return to normal activity right away. It is safe for patients with complex medical histories, including diabetes, each session runs under 30 minutes, and published clinical studies report a wart resolution rate above 83 percent.
Is There Any Downtime?
None for most patients. Some notice brief redness or mild warmth at the site, which is a normal immune response that settles quickly. Swift is not recommended for patients with a pacemaker or metal implants near the treatment area, and your provider will review your history with you before you begin.
Does Insurance Cover Swift?
Swift Microwave Therapy is currently a cash-pay procedure for both plantar warts and fungal nail infections, and it is not covered by commercial insurance or Medicare. Our team will walk you through the options and costs at your consultation.