At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we’ve seen many a Middlesex county patient give up on a new walking or running program because of tiny irritation that causes a big pain—the blister. We don’t judge—if you’ve had one, you know how painful a blister can be. And it can sideline you for several days—enough to lose the momentum and the habit you were trying to put in place of committing to a regular fitness routine.

A better understanding of what causes blisters, however, can help you prevent them in the first place. Below are some tips to help you avoid this fitness buster:

Podiatric Conditions

Toe deformities such as bunions or hammertoes and biomechanical problems like flat feet or plantar fasciitis can affect how much friction is applied to your feet. Talk to our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, if you have a chronic foot condition that may impact your risk for blisters. If the foot doctor suggests an orthotic insert, see if it is available in gel or foam—plastic tends to slide around more, increasing friction and the chance of blisters. Contact our Cromwell office for an appointment by calling: (860) 632-5499.

Shoes

It goes without saying that properly fitting shoes are a must for blister prevention. Try these suggestions:

• Get your feet professionally measured at a store that specializes in fitness or walking shoes.

• Shop at the end of a long day—your feet will be their most swollen then, and this will help you avoid buying shoes that feel fine when you leave the store but later hurt your feet.

• Rearrange your laces. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing where the pressure points are.

• Run your hand around the inside of the shoe you’re considering to check for rough patches or heavy stitching that could rub on your foot.

Moisture—friction occurs when feet sweat. Keep feet dry by observing the following steps:

• Use a foot powder before putting on your socks.
• Avoid 100% cotton socks—they tend to hold moisture. Instead, pick a synthetic material or blend that wicks moisture away from your skin.