(860) 632-5499

Podiatrist - Cromwell
162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416

We have moved!

Stop by and see our new office!

My Blog

Archive:

Tags

My Blog

Posts for tag: blister

By Feet First Foot Care Specialists
May 02, 2022
Category: Foot Care

Whether you bike, run or hike, you know foot blisters can be unfortunate for being active. But thankfully, they do not mean your adventure has to end! Friction is usually the cause of blisters on the feet and does not require medical attention. These skin irritations can occur anywhere on the body where body parts rub together or against clothing. Fortunately, you can prevent blisters by preventing chafing. To stop them before they appear, at Feet First Foot Care, we recommend taking precautions if you know you're going to do a lot of walking, running, or other physical activity and always keep an eye on your skin. 

Preventing Blisters

While blisters can have many causes, the most common reason is friction. The best way to deal with them? Avoid them in the first place. To prevent blisters, break in new shoes slowly. Be sure to wash and dry your feet daily to prevent bacterial infections, such as Athlete's Foot.

To prevent chafing that can lead to blisters, The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends the following tips:

  1. Protect your feet. To prevent blisters on your feet, wear nylon or moisture-wicking socks. If wearing one pair of socks doesn’t help, try wearing two pairs to protect your skin. You should also make sure your shoes fit correctly. Shoes shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
  2. Wear the right clothing. During physical activity, wear moisture-wicking, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid clothes made of cotton, as cotton soaks up sweat and moisture, which can lead to friction and chafing.
  3. Consider soft bandages. Consider using adhesive moleskin or other soft bandages for problem areas, such as the feet or thighs. Make sure you securely apply the bandages.
  4. Apply powder or petroleum jelly to problem areas. It helps reduce friction when your skin rubs together or rubs against clothing.
  5. Stop your activity immediately if you experience any discomfort or if your skin turns red. Otherwise, you may get a blister.

If You Do Get a Blister

You can soothe ordinary blisters with vitamin E ointment or an aloe-based cream at home. Do not puncture a blister unless it is large, painful, or likely to be further irritated. If you have to pop a blister, use a sterilized needle or razor blade. Wash the area thoroughly, make a small hole and gently squeeze out the clear fluid. Apply a dab of hydrogen peroxide to help prevent infection. Do not remove the skin over a broken blister. The new skin underneath is a natural protective cover. Cover the area with a bandage and mild compression.

When To Seek Medical Attention

As your blister heals, watch for signs of an infection. If you notice any redness, pus, or increased pain or swelling, these are signs of infection. We recommend seeking medical attention. To schedule an appointment at our Cromwell, Connecticut office with the board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, please call (860)-632-5499 or visit our website. 

0 Comment(s) Permalink
February 17, 2020
Category: blister
Tags: podiatrist   blister   exercise   foot care  

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.
0 Comment(s) Permalink
By Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC
October 30, 2018
Category: skin conditions

A blister is a patch of skin filled up with clear fluids that occur on your heels, toes, or anywhere else on your foot. By themselves, they’re not necessarily dangerous unless they become infected. One way that people often introduce infection is through popping. That’s why we here at Feet First Foot Care Specialists recommend you leave blisters alone!

What causes blisters?

Blisters can be caused by rubbing or friction and form as the result of your skin trying to protect itself. When something begins to run against your foot and damage it, your skin reacts by creating a protective barrier from the friction element. Friction can start between your feet and socks or shoes, or something else like sports equipment. For instance, a bike pedal can cause a blister during a long ride.

If you notice that the skin on your foot is red and warm, that’s a good indicator that a blister is about to form there. Next, a bump will form and fill with fluid.

How do I prevent blisters?

  • Synthetic socks that are designed to wick away sweat and other moisture can help.
  • Always ensure you have properly-fitting shoes. Friction and rubbing from shoes that are too tight or too loose can easily cause blisters.
  • Tape up your toes that seem to get blisters frequently before starting a sport or activity.

How do I treat blisters?

The best thing to do is leave it alone. Keep a close watch on it, but leave it alone as much as possible. If you notice that the skin surrounding the blister is red, warm, and tender, or if you notice red streaks leading to or from the blister, you likely have an infection. Give us a call as soon as you can if you notice these symptoms.

When the blister does break on its own, use warm water and soap to clean the area. Try not to remove the patch of skin that burst, since that patch is protecting the new skin growing underneath. Dab on a little antibiotic ointment and a bandage, and you’re good to go!

If you’ve got a blister that is large and painful or seems infected, make an appointment today at Feet First Foot Care Specialists! Dr. Adam Mucinskas keeps up to date on all the latest podiatric health issues and utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment techniques. Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment at our conveniently located office in the Cromwell, Connecticut area: (860) 632-5499.

0 Comment(s) Permalink


Contact Us

 








 

 

Questions or Comments?
We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K
Cromwell, CT 06416