Question:
How do you prevent a blister that feels like its forming?

I was doing treadmill today and my shoe was rubbing the back of my heel. Now its all red with a throbbing, burning pain. A lovely blister is on its way. Is there a way to stop it before it reaches the bubble (and BIG ouch) stage? And if its too late before I get any responses, how do I get rid of the stupid thing? I'm scared to pop it so I hope there's another easier way. Sure, I've had blisters before but I would just let it go away on its own. This blister, I have to get rid of because I'll not have it mess up my new exercise routine that I started on Mon., 2 days ago. I'm really annoyed about this blister!!! Oh, one more thing ---- Can anyone advise me of some good walking sneakers?    — lalasmommy (posted on August 15, 2001)

August 15, 2001
The only way I've found to stop a blister from forming on a reddened heel is to put a cotton ball on it and tape it down with a bandaid. However, the bandaid didn't stick well for me with treadmilling, so I used duct tape! THAT sure held it on, and it didn't hurt taking it off. Secondly, wear THICK socks - get on down to Wallmart and spend an extra buck or two for the good ones; you CAN feel the difference. Thirdly, lace up your shoes tighter. They may feel a bit snug in the front, but it will help keep the shoe from riding up and down in the heel area, i.e. rubbing, while you're treadmilling. Lastly, I LOVE my Reeboks. They are the best for me and lots of folks love them, but try on a lot of different kinds and find out which ones fit you best. Also, measure BOTH your feet; it isn't uncommon to have a half-size difference between your left and right foot. I have been known to switch and have a size 8 for one foot and a size 8 & 1/2 for the other foot, although I will DENY it in court! Hope this helps! P.S. Whenever you are out shopping for shoes, never buy Hefty brand trash-bags; they are a personal insult to us.....(just kidding) Best of luck to you! Studies show that those who exercise aerobically half an hour a day 6 days a week, walking or swimming, after WLS, lose MORE weight, lose it FASTER, and KEEP IT OFF! Good for you!
   — Lisa D.

August 15, 2001
I a blister forms and it hurts... sterilize a needle with alcohol and pop it near the edge. Gently squeeze out the liquid and cover the blister with a bandaid. Two solutions, better running shoes. I just purchased a pair of New Balance at Famous Footwear... they are a discontinued model but they are in a wide width. You can buy NB online but at higher prices. Famous Footwear has many running and walking styles for half price (approx. $39-59) Second... you may want to buy a couple of pair of double thickness socks... they are actually two thin pair of socks attached at the top ... so instead of the shoe sliding against your heel, the layers of sock rub against each other. Blisters are hell. You cant stop using the treadmill... so do something so you dont get another blister...lol! I hate the treadmill and I use any excuse I can to not do it.
   — SusanMaria

August 15, 2001
I read where you shouldnt pop blisters. The blister acts as a bandage and prevents infection. Best to tough it out and take it easy for a few days. If your diabetic see your doctor.
   — bob-haller

August 15, 2001
Well, what I used to do for a blister really isn't medically correct and so I am not advising you to do this, but I would sterlize a very small, very sharp, very new needle and enter the blister with it from under good skin and allow the fluid to drain out and then promptly use a anti-biotic cream and a bandage. I never got an infection and the blister always healed without breaking and exposing raw skin. What you should really do is use a nice soft, cushy bandage and cushy, thick socks to prevent any further irritation and otherwise let it heal on its own. Next, get rid of the shoes you have been wearing. If they are causing blisters, they aren't the right shoes for you to wear while exercising. There are a lot of good walking shoes out there. You just need to go try them on and find one that doesn't rub your heels. Be prepared to spend at least $50+ for a pair and usually quite a bit more. Shoes that I have found to be comfortable and made well are Rockports Pro Walkers and Nike Walk Air. The Rockports are expensive, but they hold their shape, give good support and last a long time. I sometimes can find them on sale at JC Penney's. They also have a web site if you want to check out styles first. I am currently wearing the Nikes and they are very comfortable as well and look nice. I just haven't had them long enough to know how well they hold up to daily workouts. Hope this helps.
   — Susan M.

August 15, 2001
Actually, what Susan said is correct--it's not popping a blister that's the problem, it's removing the skin altogether. Simply poking a small hole in the blister doesn't hurt, and draining the fluid makes it better. My forte, however, is preventing them in the first place. I haven't gotten a blister on my feet in 20 years of cross-country running, hiking, and other "foot" sports because I tape my feet with athletic tape. Don't wind the tape around your feet; that will cut off the circulation. Instead, use several pieces of tape and cover your entire foot. This way, there's no friction against your skin, and it's friction that causes blisters in the first place. Trust me on this. I just walked 60 miles in 3 days and didn't get a single blister anywhere on my feet or heels. Unfortunately, I didn't tape my toes on the last day. ;^)
   — Suzanne B.

August 16, 2001
I used to get blisters when I walked until I ran into someone who has been a marathon runner for 20 years. He told me an old secret of runners. Put antiperspirant on your feet before putting your socks and shoes on. It works. I don't know how or why but it really works. Just a suggestion.
   — Vicki H.