It seems like something as small and insignificant as a blister shouldn’t be able to cause that much pain, but anyone who has had a blister knows that they can make walking extremely uncomfortable. If you take good care of your feet, you can help to prevent blisters. Read on to learn how.
What Are Blisters?
Blisters are small bubbles on the skin that are filled with fluid. They are caused by friction; for example, the foot rubbing against the shoe can create friction which causes a blister. A blister is actually the body’s way of protecting itself; the pocket of fluid serves to protect the irritated skin underneath so that it can heal.
Preventing Blisters
There are a few things that you can do to avoid blisters. First, make sure that you are wearing shoes that are comfortable and fit properly. In many cases, blisters are caused by wearing shoes that are either too tight or too loose.
Shoes that are too tight will pinch and rub in certain areas, which causes blisters. Shoes that are too big can also cause blisters, because they allow the foot to move around inside the shoe, creating friction.
Before you purchase new shoes, have your feet professionally measured. Always try shoes on before you buy, and make sure that they feel comfortable and don’t rub against your feet. Don’t buy shoes that don’t feel great expecting them to break in and feel better later; your shoes should feel good on your feet as soon as you put them on.
Runners should expect their shoes to last about 400-500 miles, or 6 months. Don’t try to make your running shoes last longer than that. After this length of time, your shoes can no longer give your feet the support that they need, and you will end up with blisters or other foot problems.
Keep your feet dry, changing socks frequently if necessary. When your feet and socks are wet, there is increased friction. This leads to developing blisters much faster. If your shoes often get very wet or sweaty and don’t have time to dry out between wearings, get a second pair of shoes so that you can alternate and allow them to dry fully. You can also use foot powder inside your shoes to keep your feet dry.
If your shoes feel like they are rubbing, keep a close eye out for early signs of a blister, such as red spots. These red spots that develop in the early stages of a blister are known as hot spots. If you get a hot spot, you should immediately cover it with a bandage or other dressing to protect the area and prevent a blister from developing.
Caring for Blisters
In most cases, blisters will heal themselves. It is usually not necessary to drain smaller blisters, as the blister will typically resolve itself. If you have a larger blister, or a blister that isn’t healing, you may need to drain the fluid from the blister.
First, sterilize a pin by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol. Then carefully prick the skin of the blister with the sterilized pin to drain the fluid. Clean the area, and cover it with a bandage to protect it and keep it clean.
For Diabetics, or those with a history of circulation problems always seek advice from a medical professional before treating the problem yourself.
If you are prone to blisters, it may be that you are simply wearing the wrong shoes, or poor socks. Visit Foot Solutions. We will measure your feet and help you find the right size footwear. We have a large selection of comfortable shoes & socks that will help you to avoid blisters. We can also provide additional arch support for your feet, to help minimise friction in your footwear. Stop in to Foot Solutions to learn more today.
