All about Blisters on Feet
Blisters are the most common problem among runners. This is the repeated rubbing of moist skin thus producing friction. Friction of the skin is the most important factor why blisters on feet happen. You can prevent this situation from occurring by keeping your feet dry.
The main objective when it comes to preventing blisters on feet is minimizing friction. This primarily begins by selecting the right footwear. Your shoes should suitably fit you. It is a thumb’s width in between your longest toe and the shoe’s end. Always remember that this is always the second toe not the other one. Narrow shoes can also cause blisters on your great toe and little toe. Having a shallow toe box can result to blisters on the top portion of the shoes. Loose shoes can promote blisters on the shoe tips. While large or big shoes can cause blisters on the soles and tips of your toes and can also result to sliding of your foot back and forth.
When fitting shoes, you should fit it during the evening or afternoon, because the feet tend to swell during the day. Run or walk around the store to test the fit and you should do this prior to purchasing them. After buying, wear them inside your house for about 1-2 hours to pinpoint which areas give you discomfort or pain. It would be at your advantage if you wear them a few hours a day to gradually become comfortable with your new footwear and prevent hurting yourself by acquiring blisters. Wearing the new shoes everyday in your home can prevent the development of blisters on feet once you wear them outside the home.
Wearing socks is one method of reducing the friction between your shoes and feet. Synthetic moisture socks or the special double layered type can lessen shearing forces. This can successfully wick moisture from your skin rather than cotton or woo and this further reduces the likelihood of having blisters on feet. You can also bring extra socks with you and change the one you’re wearing when it becomes moist and damp.
How to Treat Blisters on Feet?
1. If the blisters on feet are not painful and small, then you should leave it be. You can put a small band-aid to protect it from being infected and won’t get bigger.
2. Painful or large looking blisters on feet should be drained without taking away the roof. These are a natural barriers and aids with the healing process. Clean the blisters with an antibiotic soap, alcohol and wash with water. Heat pin above a flame until it glows red. Cool down the pin before putting a small hole at the boundary of the blister and don’t forget to put pressure when draining the liquid inside. Don’t forget to put an ointment and cover it with a bandage. Change the dressing as frequent as you can to prevent it from becoming wet and dirty.
When is the best time to see a doctor?
When there is an increased swelling, redness or pain and there are green or yellow discharges on the affected area, it would be best go to your doctor as soon as possible.
By following these tips and methods, blisters on feet will never be a problem.
How to Prevent Painful Blisters on Feet
Blisters on feet frequently happen to those wearing footwear that rubs or that can cause regular friction on one’s skin. This may also result from wearing socks that has a hole in it. You can avoid this uncomfortable situation by knowing how to prevent blisters.
1. Purchase footwear that fits you suitably – When shopping for footwear, don’t be in a rush and ensure that the style you pick is the right fit for you. When fitting, you should wear them both. After that, feel the area of the footwear above your toes to make sure that it is not very tight. Push your thumb downward on the end part of the footwear. Don’t forget to check the sides, the widest portion of your feet, and the heels. Check if it doesn’t rub on your feet. Walk the shoes around the place for a few minutes. In this way, you won’t have to endure the pain of having blisters on feet.
2. Make shoes more comfortable to wear by using them inside the house – It is common knowledge that blisters on feet is usually caused by wearing new shoes. A simple way of preventing blisters on feet from occurring is wearing your new footwear all around your house. You can do this a few hours a day. After a couple of weeks, your footwear will be more bendable and relaxed.
3. Lessen Friction by Using Petroleum Jelly – Another effective method of preventing blisters on feet is by applying petroleum Jelly, whether you are wearing new footwear for the first time or if you have plans of running or walking a lot. Before wearing socks, apply the jelly to places where the shoes can rub the skin on one’s feet.
4. Wear socks regularly – You should regularly use socks, except if you are wearing sandals or flip flops. Wearing footwear without socks has a greater risk of acquiring blisters on feet. Socks acts as protection. The perfect kind of sock to wear is that of acrylic, this socks are ideal than cotton since they can reduce friction on one’s feet.
5. Cushion your feet by placing Insoles on your footwear – An efficient method of preventing blisters is by putting insoles. These provide a protective barrier between the hard soles of your shoes and your feet. This will aid your feet from rubbing on the shoes.
6. Don’t use poor-fit tube Socks – According to foot specialist, tube socks don’t protect your feet since they don’t fit your feet appropriately. Because they are tube-shape, they do not have heels. This kind of sock won’t prevent you from having blisters on feet. You should pick socks that have reinforced toes and heels.
7. Keep Feet dry – You can also prevent blisters on feet from taking shape by keeping your feet moist-free, regularly use foot powder before wearing socks. If you are the type who perspires a lot, opt for synthetic-made socks instead of cotton. Make sure that you don’t use your socks repeatedly since this can also cause blisters and bad odor as well.