Foot Injuries: Blister Prevention And Treatment

Foot Injuries: Blister Prevention And Treatment

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Given the fact that people around the world walk millions upon millions of miles every day, it's a wonder that there aren't more serious issues with our feet. While foot injuries are common, they generally aren't that much of a problem for most people. With a few precautions and some knowledge, foot issues can be easily prevented and treated.

Perhaps the most common type of injury to the foot is a blister. A blister occurs when a part of the foot, generally the heal, is rubbed against an object, usually a shoe, for a long period of time. This rubbing action causes the top layer of skin to actually rub loose of the second layer, forming a bubble (or blister) which then fills with liquid to prevent further damage to the under layers of skin.

The best treatment for a blister is, if possible, to do nothing at all. If the blister is small, it can be left to heal on its own, although using an adhesive bandage may lesson the pain during the healing process. If the blister is larger, or if it is beginning to seep fluid, the best course of action is to clean the area with soap and water and apply antibacterial ointment to prevent against infection.

A blister that is larger and full of liquid may need to be drained to allow for comfort during the healing process. If this is the case, the best way to do this is with as little damage to the top layer of skin as possible. This is because the best defense against infection is the skin. To drain the blister, first wash with soap and water; then sterilize a needle (put the needle in a flame until red hot, allow to cool down), puncture the blister and allow the liquid to exit on its own. Finally apply antibacterial cream to the area.

Of course the best treatment is prevention. There are several warning signs that should be heeded to avoid the formation of a blister. The first is that the area where the blister is starting will start to get warm and irritated. If no precautions are taken at this point, a blister is likely to form, causing injury. Avoid walking or running long distances in shoes that are new, ill-fitting or not "worn in."

Wearing shoes that are the correct fit is the first step to preventing a blister. This simple step will greatly minimize the friction that is caused by the rubbing of the foot against the shoe. Many shoe stores will measure the foot, allowing the correct shoe size to be purchased. Another foot wear tip, is to wear socks that wick moisture away from the foot, this will help to minimize friction also.

Tricks that athletes use, runners specifically, are to cover areas of the foot that are more susceptible to blistering. This can be done with bandages or, more commonly, duct tape. Duct tape is cheap, durable and water resistant, making it a great barrier for your foot. Other options include rubbing the foot with powder to reduce the rubbing, this works well for shorter periods of time.

Because we are on our feet so much, prevention is definitely preferable to treatment.

About the Author:
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