 photo credit: tsuacctnt |
Caring for blisters is important because as you know blisters can be very painful. There are a number of different factors which cause them but the main one is a combination of poorly fitted shoes and repetitive movement.
A blister is a natural function of your body to try and protect the area of your foot, (or elsewhere) where damage is occurring by friction. These areas or spots are known as ‘hotspots’. Unfortunately you don’t always realise it is happening until the damage has occurred and the blister has formed.
A blister is simply your body trying to build a pad over the damaged area by using fluid. The pain itself comes from the damaged skin layers underneath.
Trying to prevent a blister from forming in the first place is the best approach. Please see an earlier post in this blog called ‘The Best Method For Breaking In Shoes’.
Proper fitting socks are important. Socks hold moisture around the foot and any movement is usually around the heel, or at the front of the foot where the sock tends to get bunched up at the toes. Also pay attention to what you are actually buying. Cheap socks can contain fibres which aggravate the formation of blisters and make your feet sweat. Choose socks that will take moisture away from your feet and keep your feet dry when they sweat. Also try to choose footwear that allows your feet to breathe. A little forethought goes a long way in the prevention of blisters.
If you are unfortunate enough to get a blister simply leave it alone. The blister has formed to protect the skin below. Don’t burst it as you are simply exposing the damaged tissue to more damage. The best course of action is to try and prevent blisters from breaking. If they do break cover the area liberally with an antibiotic cream and cover with a bandage to try and prevent infection.
Tags: blister, blisters, breaking in shoes, Health, Fitness, repetitive movement
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