Blisters are a common thing and happen to almost everybody. Reasons could vary from one person to another. The main reason behind blisters is if you have just started walking or running, started your running exercise, or doing longer workouts. These nasty fluid-filled sacs are the result of that. The logic behind the formulation of blisters is the friction caused between the shoe and the skin of your feet.
These are most common in runners and walkers. This can, however, be eliminated by ensuring that you implement proper measures which are but not limited to keeping your feet cool and dry, toughing and protecting your skin from commercial materials available in the market. And also keeping an eye on the heat-spots that would eventually turn into blisters if not treated prior to its development.
Some of the measures that I have researched extensively and are jotted down below for your reading are:
ALWAYS FIND THE RIGHT SHOES TO PREVENT BLISTERS
Your shoe is the most common reason for you to have blisters on your feet. This is because your foot skin is so sensitive that once the friction between the shoe and the skin happens, it causes it to heat up and eventually form into a blister. Therefore it is vital that in your next shoe purchase, be sure that you pick up the size of the shoe that fits you and is comfortable.
With any new shoe, it is always advisable to not use them
for long walks or jogs during their break-in period. I know you want to show
off your new joggers or your new walking shoes to your accomplices at the
track, but hold back on it just yet. Take it slow at the beginning. If you are
really enthused to wear them from day one (1), then my advice is to go on short
walks. Let the new shoe adjust according to your feet and then eventually pick
up the pace and start running in it.
This rule is a lot different in cramped shoes. Your walking shoes should have a
finger’s width between the end of the toe and your shoes to allow enough
breathing space and keep your toes and feet comfortable at all times.
Another culprit to blisters is that if your shoes are too loose and do not fit you properly. This eventually leads your foot to slip and slide when you walk. This adds extra blister causing friction to your feet. Repercussions also include you end up with black toenails. Realistically the advice of giving your feet enough room to breathe doesn’t justify you going for shoes in which your feet are sliding in and out or sideways. One way of fixing this is to make sure you always tighten up your laces. But if still the shoes are sliding then that means it’s time to go shoe shopping.
TOUGHEN YOUR FEET (HULK TIME!)
Ever got called a “TENDERFOOT”? I have been called that by my mum and my wife on many occasions. Because I bruise like a peach! Your soft skin will not bruise like mine if you resort to remedies that would harden up the skin. Well, we do not want our skin to become that of the HULK, but somewhat close to he would be nice.
- USE TANNIC ACID REGULARLY
Use a tea soak on your feet regularly to hard up the skin. Tea contains TANNINS which is a great compound if applied directly onto your skin would start making it coarse. Rub the wet tea-bag on your feet twice daily for two (2) to three (3) weeks.
- MOISTURIZE THOSE HEEL CRACKS
Make it a habit to apply any commercial moisturizer directly onto your feet each time you come out of the shower and right before you go to bed. This would not only help to maintain your feet but also prevent them from drying out and eliminating the factor of calluses formation.
ALWAYS WEAR THE RIGHT SOCKS WITH YOUR SHOES
A common myth is to use cotton socks with your everyday wear. Well, I am here to tell you otherwise. Trash those cotton socks right now! And get hold of synthetics. Cotton retains your foot sweat, which in return softens up your skin, which then becomes more prone to cracks, which then produces blisters and calluses. See what I did there? (wink)
- SOCKS WICK AWAY MOISTURE
Socks that are made up of synthetic material aid in wicking away moisture from your feet after a long day at work. This in result helps your feet to be kept dry at all times. You do not necessarily need to break your bank to pick up these. These are available almost in any sports store.
- DOUBLE LAYERED SOCKS
If you get the option to choose between a single-layered or a double-layered sock, always chose the double-layered ones. Since these work wonders by reducing the friction produced between your feet and the shoe and also wicks away almost all of the moisture from your feet. Most of the hikers tend to wear to pieces of socks on their feet when hiking. This is to prevent their feet from dying out to moisture.
- ALWAYS INVEST ON SOCKS
Good quality socks that fall in the above stringent category range anywhere between, $7 to $20. Making it a bit difficult to hoard upon them. But remember, investing in a decent pair of socks goes a long way instead of buying the cheap ones that would only last you a few weeks or a month.
LUBRICATING YOUR FEET HELPS PREVENT BLISTERS
There is no complex mathematical equation to the formulation
of blisters. These things are the result of continuous friction between your
feet and shoes. And the socks, let us not forget these.
So in order to eliminate the friction? What do we do? We lubricate. Yes!
Lubricating the feet with a variety of different lubricants available in the
market helps eliminate the friction, thus leaving us with healthy and happy
feet.
- PETROLEUM JELLY HELPS PREVENT FRICTION
The most inexpensive way of lubricating your feet and also with a tad bit of essence coming out of them is by using petroleum jelly. These things are available readily over the counter and are a great aid to help eliminate friction. All you need to do is to apply some directly onto your feet and then slide your socks on. Petroleum jelly also helps in skin chafing issues and aids in their treatment.
- AD OINTMENTS FOR THE FEET
These are a lot thicker than the regular petroleum jelly yet is also readily available at stores which sell baby diapers. One of the very efficient ways to lubricate your feet before you go out for jogging or walking out in the park. Make sure to absorb the cream completely into your feet before you slide on your socks to prevent other catastrophic hazards.
PREVENT BLISTERS BY KEEPING YOUR FEET DRY
Some tried and tested methods are as of follows:
- CORNSTARCH AND TALCUM POWDER TO KEEP YOUR FEET DRY
Cornstarch (available in every household), can be used to sprinkle inside the socks and the shoes to help keep your feet dry. This is highly effective if you are planning on wearing your shoes for long hours or perhaps even before you go out for a long walk. Similar is the case with your baby’s talcum powder.
- ANITPRESPIRANTS TO KEEP THE FEET DRY
A recent military study showed that using a heavy-duty antiperspirant on your feet keeps it from causing blisters. The application method is similar to any other spray that you currently use for your feet. Just spray it on and wear those socks on. And gallop away!
- DRINK LOTS OF WATER TO HELP PREVENT FROM BLISTERS
Always carry a bottle of water when you go out for a jog. The first few minutes into the jog are the most critical and you should always keep yourself hydrated during this phase. After that, you can resort yourself to either your favourite drink or even better, a Gatorade.
BLISTER PREVENTION
If you have identified a hotspot on your feet while walking or jogging or after a long day at work, then it is best advised to cover those spots to help prevent from further damage. Several options are now available in the market which includes
- Sports tapes
- Moleskin tags
- Gel-based bandages
If none of this is available, then a good old fashioned scotch-tape work wonders.
Conclusion
To summarize this article, all I have to say is that keep your feet lubricated at all times. This would help you steer clear of any blisters or discomforts that may arise during or after you remove your shoes. Always keep a tab on how your feel feet and never ignore the symptoms of a hot-spot. Always to ensure to attend to it immediately before it turns into a blister.
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