Blister Relief: 5 Tips for Healthier Feet

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You need blister relief. We’ve all been there. You put on a new (or worn-in) pair of shoes,and walk for miles, only to discover a painful blister on your toe or the back of your heel. Maybe you’ve even developed a blister on the ball of your foot.

Ignoring a blister can ultimately lead to infection, if you aren’t careful. The best cure is prevention in this case. Here are five tips for ensuring that you don’t develop a blister on your foot.

1. The Right Fit Matters

The most important thing you can do is find shoes that fit properly. The biggest contributors to blisters are shoes that are either too tight or too loose. Never buy shoes without trying them on walking around the room in them a bit; if the shoe doesn’t fit it will be evident very quickly. Our feet are different; maybe you have longer toes or a higher arch. Just because a size 9 is your shoe size doesn’t mean that particular shoe style and manufacturer had blister relief in mind.

2. Address the Chafing

Friction occurs when your skin is damp or overly dry and rubs against the shoe repeatedly which causes chafing. Make sure that your feet are completely dry when you get out of the shower and if you are participating in exercise, wear socks that wick moisture away from your skin. You can also get blister relief for areas that tend to rub with sports tape or gel bandages. Make certain not to wrap the tape too tightly as your feet will swell after a while.

3. Drain the Blister

If the blister is not too painful, keep it intact (per the Mayo Clinic). You can pop it if you’re extremely careful.  Wash your foot with soap and water, or disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol. Sterilize a sharp needle with rubbing alcohol, then gently poke a hole in the edge of the blister. Leave the blister uncovered overnight so it can air out, and in the morning apply antibiotic ointment on it before you put your shoes on.

4. Signs of Infection

If you’re experiencing extended pain or discomfort, a visit to your local podiatrist is in order. Here are several signs of infection you should know about:

• increased swelling
• increased redness
• skin is hot to the touch
• throbbing or shooting pain
• green or yellow pus appears
• the area emits a foul odor

5. Take a Load Off

It shouldn’t be difficult to stay off your feet, especially if your blister is uncomfortable. Soak your feet in Epsom salt at night and sit down as often as you can during the day. Take the pressure off of your feet as much as you are able to and try to prop up the affected foot at work. Rest your feet as much as possible so the tissues can focus on healing.

No one likes dealing with blisters; they are unsightly and painful. If you discover that a blister has developed on your foot or toe, follow the steps above to remedy the problem and prevent a recurrence.

As a sportswoman, Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger understands the types of injuries experienced by active people including runners, walkers, bikers, gym-goers, and team players. With 3 offices in the Salt Lake City area, Dr. Auger is happy to welcome new patients for same-day appointments!