Question:
How do you prevent a blister that feels like its forming?
I was doing treadmill today and my shoe was rubbing the back of my heel. Now its all red with a throbbing, burning pain. A lovely blister is on its way. Is there a way to stop it before it reaches the bubble (and BIG ouch) stage? And if its too late before I get any responses, how do I get rid of the stupid thing? I'm scared to pop it so I hope there's another easier way. Sure, I've had blisters before but I would just let it go away on its own. This blister, I have to get rid of because I'll not have it mess up my new exercise routine that I started on Mon., 2 days ago. I'm really annoyed about this blister!!! Oh, one more thing ---- Can anyone advise me of some good walking sneakers? — lalasmommy (posted on August 15, 2001)
August 15, 2001
The only way I've found to stop a blister from forming on a reddened heel
is to put a cotton ball on it and tape it down with a bandaid. However, the
bandaid didn't stick well for me with treadmilling, so I used duct tape!
THAT sure held it on, and it didn't hurt taking it off. Secondly, wear
THICK socks - get on down to Wallmart and spend an extra buck or two for
the good ones; you CAN feel the difference. Thirdly, lace up your shoes
tighter. They may feel a bit snug in the front, but it will help keep the
shoe from riding up and down in the heel area, i.e. rubbing, while you're
treadmilling. Lastly, I LOVE my Reeboks. They are the best for me and lots
of folks love them, but try on a lot of different kinds and find out which
ones fit you best. Also, measure BOTH your feet; it isn't uncommon to have
a half-size difference between your left and right foot. I have been known
to switch and have a size 8 for one foot and a size 8 & 1/2 for the
other foot, although I will DENY it in court! Hope this helps! P.S.
Whenever you are out shopping for shoes, never buy Hefty brand trash-bags;
they are a personal insult to us.....(just kidding) Best of luck to you!
Studies show that those who exercise aerobically half an hour a day 6 days
a week, walking or swimming, after WLS, lose MORE weight, lose it FASTER,
and KEEP IT OFF! Good for you!
— Lisa D.
August 15, 2001
I a blister forms and it hurts... sterilize a needle with alcohol and pop
it near the edge. Gently squeeze out the liquid and cover the blister with
a bandaid.
Two solutions, better running shoes. I just purchased a pair of New Balance
at Famous Footwear... they are a discontinued model but they are in a wide
width. You can buy NB online but at higher prices. Famous Footwear has many
running and walking styles for half price (approx. $39-59) Second... you
may want to buy a couple of pair of double thickness socks... they are
actually two thin pair of socks attached at the top ... so instead of the
shoe sliding against your heel, the layers of sock rub against each other.
Blisters are hell. You cant stop using the treadmill... so do something so
you dont get another blister...lol! I hate the treadmill and I use any
excuse I can to not do it.
— SusanMaria
August 15, 2001
I read where you shouldnt pop blisters. The blister acts as a bandage and
prevents infection. Best to tough it out and take it easy for a few days.
If your diabetic see your doctor.
— bob-haller
August 15, 2001
Well, what I used to do for a blister really isn't medically correct and so
I am not advising you to do this, but I would sterlize a very small, very
sharp, very new needle and enter the blister with it from under good skin
and allow the fluid to drain out and then promptly use a anti-biotic cream
and a bandage. I never got an infection and the blister always healed
without breaking and exposing raw skin. What you should really do is use a
nice soft, cushy bandage and cushy, thick socks to prevent any further
irritation and otherwise let it heal on its own. Next, get rid of the
shoes you have been wearing. If they are causing blisters, they aren't the
right shoes for you to wear while exercising. There are a lot of good
walking shoes out there. You just need to go try them on and find one that
doesn't rub your heels. Be prepared to spend at least $50+ for a pair and
usually quite a bit more. Shoes that I have found to be comfortable and
made well are Rockports Pro Walkers and Nike Walk Air. The Rockports are
expensive, but they hold their shape, give good support and last a long
time. I sometimes can find them on sale at JC Penney's. They also have a
web site if you want to check out styles first. I am currently wearing the
Nikes and they are very comfortable as well and look nice. I just haven't
had them long enough to know how well they hold up to daily workouts. Hope
this helps.
— Susan M.
August 15, 2001
Actually, what Susan said is correct--it's not popping a blister that's the
problem, it's removing the skin altogether. Simply poking a small hole in
the blister doesn't hurt, and draining the fluid makes it better. My forte,
however, is preventing them in the first place. I haven't gotten a blister
on my feet in 20 years of cross-country running, hiking, and other
"foot" sports because I tape my feet with athletic tape. Don't
wind the tape around your feet; that will cut off the circulation. Instead,
use several pieces of tape and cover your entire foot. This way, there's no
friction against your skin, and it's friction that causes blisters in the
first place.
Trust me on this. I just walked 60 miles in 3 days and didn't get a single
blister anywhere on my feet or heels. Unfortunately, I didn't tape my toes
on the last day. ;^)
— Suzanne B.
August 16, 2001
I used to get blisters when I walked until I ran into someone who has been
a marathon runner for 20 years. He told me an old secret of runners. Put
antiperspirant on your feet before putting your socks and shoes on. It
works. I don't know how or why but it really works. Just a suggestion.
— Vicki H.
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