Most runners have had a painful foot blister. Today we look at risk reduction and management.
Running (or walking a lot) and blisters. I walk a lot. And occasionally do some running (typically alternating with walking). Today, I have a small blister on the underside of my foot. Being ever curious, I began to explore the available literature about foot blister risk reduction and management. Have you ever had a blister that ruined a run or a race? Or that just nagged at you at a low level for a couple of days?
Running and blister: What causes a foot blister?
If you have formed a small pocket of fluid on some part of your body, you may have had a blister. These bubbles vary in size and have many causes. For example, you may get one after infection, trauma, or even an insect bite. The location of it can influence the effects on your quality of life. For example, foot blisters may lead to challenges in walking, standing, or exercising.
Let’s turn to some of the causes of blisters. For ones on foot, friction is often the causative agent. Walk or stand for hours, and you put pressure on various parts of your feet, including the heels, toes, and soles. Poorly fitted shoes may result in fluid-filled bubbles, whether the shoes are too tight or too loose. The resultant friction causes a fluid buildup just beneath the upper layer of the skin.
Other potential causes include:
- an allergic reaction
- chemical exposure (for example, to cosmetics or detergents)
- chickenpox
- eczema
- frostbite
- infection (fungal, bacterial, or herpes)
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