Katrina286
04-19-2004, 12:56 AM
I'm getting ready for some long distance walking, 30 miles x 4 days and I really need advice on blister prevention. My feet are always sensitive and generally they blister easy. Can anyone tell me a way to toughen up my feet prior to this walk? I have tried the 'easy glide' and I still got blisters. I also need to buy new walking shoes which is a nightmare just thinking about it as my feet are so sensitive. Help!!! I'm tired of blisters.
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bigbadfeet
04-19-2004, 01:24 AM
I haven't had to deal with blisters in recent years (I walk a lot less than I used to). But digging into my memory banks, I remember using moleskin from Dr Scholl. You have to use this BEFORE you get a blister because it has a sticky backing and will pull the blister skin off when you remove it.
But if you put it on your feet in areas where you suspect you will get blisters, I think it will give you good protection.
It used to come in an extra thick version. I don't know if it still does.
Janet (BigBad)
But if you put it on your feet in areas where you suspect you will get blisters, I think it will give you good protection.
It used to come in an extra thick version. I don't know if it still does.
Janet (BigBad)
seashell1
04-25-2004, 02:57 AM
Here's something you could try:
For blisters on the balls of the feet
Place a long strip of duct tape on the floor adhesive side up, and place your foot on it at a right angle to the strip, with the trouble spot in the center of the tape.
Press down on your foot to make it as wide as possible, and pull the ends of the tape up and over your foot. Cut the ends about one inch from the side of the foot.
Cut the edge of the tape nearest the toes to conform to the shape of the ball of the foot, making sure the tape does not contact toes or cut into the crease.
For blisters on the tips of toes
Using a small strip of duct tape, wrap it from the base of the toenail, over the tip and underneath, even to where you started.
Wrap another strip around the the toe, covering the ends of the previous strip. Don't let the two ends overlap on top of the toe, but try to make them meet as closely as possible.
For desperate situations
This is when you have a fluid-filled blister, run out of Moleskin or other supplies, and must continue hiking.
Using a sterilized pin or blade, puncture the blister at the base and massage out the fluid.
Inject a small amount of Superglue (always good to have in your repair kit) or tincture of benzoine into the space evacuated by the fluid. Caution: You will experience severe pain for a minute or so.
Press the overlying skin of the blister back in place and cover the area with duct tape, or anything suitable that you have available.
Another desperate solution
This is for hikers who have major miles to cover, have limited supplies and are desperate to eliminate friction.
Clean and dry feet thoroughly.
Coat the heels, toes and soles with tincture of benzoine. Let the feet dry for 3 minutes, keeping the toes spread.
Apply a thin layer of lubricant over all sticky areas. Try Vaseline, Sportslick, BodyGlide or a silicone cream like Avon Silicone Glove or Hydropel. In a pinch you could use cooking oil.
Put on a lightweight wool or synthetic moisture-wicking sock. A thin inner sock and thicker outer layer will help reduce friction.
Reapply the lubricant every 4 to 6 hours and change into clean socks. Be sure to wipe any grit off the feet before applying a second coating.
For blister-prone areas, consider pretaping with duct tape or Johnson & Johnson's Elastikon tape. Then follow the above instructions for the rest of the foot. Tincture helps the tape adhere to skin.
For blisters on the balls of the feet
Place a long strip of duct tape on the floor adhesive side up, and place your foot on it at a right angle to the strip, with the trouble spot in the center of the tape.
Press down on your foot to make it as wide as possible, and pull the ends of the tape up and over your foot. Cut the ends about one inch from the side of the foot.
Cut the edge of the tape nearest the toes to conform to the shape of the ball of the foot, making sure the tape does not contact toes or cut into the crease.
For blisters on the tips of toes
Using a small strip of duct tape, wrap it from the base of the toenail, over the tip and underneath, even to where you started.
Wrap another strip around the the toe, covering the ends of the previous strip. Don't let the two ends overlap on top of the toe, but try to make them meet as closely as possible.
For desperate situations
This is when you have a fluid-filled blister, run out of Moleskin or other supplies, and must continue hiking.
Using a sterilized pin or blade, puncture the blister at the base and massage out the fluid.
Inject a small amount of Superglue (always good to have in your repair kit) or tincture of benzoine into the space evacuated by the fluid. Caution: You will experience severe pain for a minute or so.
Press the overlying skin of the blister back in place and cover the area with duct tape, or anything suitable that you have available.
Another desperate solution
This is for hikers who have major miles to cover, have limited supplies and are desperate to eliminate friction.
Clean and dry feet thoroughly.
Coat the heels, toes and soles with tincture of benzoine. Let the feet dry for 3 minutes, keeping the toes spread.
Apply a thin layer of lubricant over all sticky areas. Try Vaseline, Sportslick, BodyGlide or a silicone cream like Avon Silicone Glove or Hydropel. In a pinch you could use cooking oil.
Put on a lightweight wool or synthetic moisture-wicking sock. A thin inner sock and thicker outer layer will help reduce friction.
Reapply the lubricant every 4 to 6 hours and change into clean socks. Be sure to wipe any grit off the feet before applying a second coating.
For blister-prone areas, consider pretaping with duct tape or Johnson & Johnson's Elastikon tape. Then follow the above instructions for the rest of the foot. Tincture helps the tape adhere to skin.