Dealing with Blisters

[The Green Bean]

Ok I've had this problem whenever I play squash for an extended period of time (90mins+). The shoes are specifically meant for squash and I love playing with them. (No slipping; great grip) But then this has happened twice. It's happened in both my feet but the right one is worst. It still hadn't recovered from the last time I played this long (2 months+ ago) and now this happens:

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I'm thinking I'll either be needing new shoes or thicker socks. And is there anyway to treat this without letting it heal itself in lots and lots of months? It also hurts a little when I walk.

 

[Turkish]

Ouch my friend.

I am an expert on blisters as I had so much trouble with them in the past. So here is my advice:

Blisters happen for two reasons: moisture and/or friction.

To avoid them, you need to make sure your feet are dry, clean and your shoes fit well (not tight or lose).

For moisture, there are moisture absorbing socks you can buy. They are specifically designed for this purpose and keep your feet dry. It is also sensible to put some baby powder in your shoes and around your feet before and after putting your socks on. This will also prevent your feet from stinking. A well designed shoe that allows air in would also help.

As for friction, best way is to test quite a few sizes for the shoe you intend to buy. Just because you normally wear size 11 doesn't mean a size 11 will fit you on your squash shoes. Try 10, 10.5, 11.5, 12 and see which one fits you the best. Your feet shouldn't move inside the shoe but you should be able to move your toes individually.

To treat blisters, it is best to use a medical solution such as Baticon (not sure what it is called in the U.S.) which you can apply couple times a day to dry it out and help skin grow faster. Don't pull off the dead skin above a blister as it will be a protecting agent for the new skin growing under it.

Hope this helps

 

[DAPUNISHER]

When i was first breaking in new work boots, and running 6 flights of stairs over and over with equipment everyday, I was getting blisters. There is a product here in the U.S., I think it is called lamb's skin, that my wife picked up for me. It has really good adhesive on 1 side and soft material on the other. I put some glue they market here as "second skin" on the blister, cut out and place the lamb's skin, and problem solved. the lamb's skin held up to 8-10 hrs of florida summer heat without the adhesive coming off too.

 

[gramboh]

I highly recommend investing in some 2 layer socks designed for running. I'm not sure what brand I have, they cost about $15/pair, but they have two layers which kind of float on each other and reduce friction. Made a huge difference for me. Also look for moleskin (what DAPUN is talking about) for when you want to play with exisiting blisters (it will protect the damaged skin). You can also soak blisters in a bowl of warm water and epsom salt which will draw the liquid out of the blister.

 

[TallBill]

Get a Johnson and Johnson blister pad. They are pricey at around 4 for $4 but are awesome relief.