Blisters are a watery lesion that occurs when the skin of the foot is exposed to friction or irritating pressure.
While it is common knowledge that wearing new shoes causes blisters, other factors can also influence the development of blisters.
Let’s learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for persistent foot blisters.
Blister symptoms
When a blister develops on the foot, it usually affects specific parts of the skin that come into contact with the shoe.
The same is true for the heel, big toe, upper arch, and forefoot:
- The heel: Blisters on the heel are common due to the impact of an ill-fitting or new shoe.
- The big toe: A painful blister might form on the big toe if the shoe does not allow enough room for the toes.
- The top of the arch: Athletes who run are more likely to develop this form of blister under the foot.
- Forefoot: Blisters on the forefoot, whether on or near the bottom of the foot, are particularly common in those who wear high heels.
Foot blisters are such a prevalent condition, thus their symptoms are well-known.
These can be:
- reddened and swollen skin;
- skin irritation that develops into a skin lesion.
- pain in the affected area;
- the formation of a blister filled with clear fluid;
- easy bleeding;
- difficulty moving without discomfort.
It’s critical to keep an eye out for signs of infection if your blister ruptures, especially if you have diabetes or an immune deficiency.
What causes foot blisters?
Foot blisters are most commonly caused by a new or ill-fitting shoe, as we’ve seen above.
Other causes, however, can also contribute to the skin of the foot being damaged in this way.
Blisters on the feet can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Long-term participation in a sport such as walking or running
- Wearing high-heeled shoes
- A burn
- Bunion (hallux valgus)
- Excessive foot sweating and wearing damp socks
- Allergic reaction
- Cavus feet
- Eczema and other skin diseases
- Hammertoes
Preventing foot blisters
Most foot blisters are completely harmless.
However, once they have occurred, it is advisable to prevent the discomfort they can cause.
The following precautions will help you avoid a painful blister on your foot:
- Purchase shoes that are appropriate for your foot’s characteristics.
- In closed shoes, socks should be worn at all times.
- Before going on longer walks, make sure your new shoes are loose enough.
- Choose breathable footwear, especially if you sweat a lot.
- When getting acclimated to new shoes, apply talcum powder or cornstarch to your feet.
- As a prophylactic precaution, dress the parts of the foot that are more prone to blisters.
Choose running shoes that are slightly looser than everyday shoes and wear thicker socks if you’re a runner.
Treating foot blisters
While these precautions can help to prevent most blisters on the feet, no one is immune to plantar injuries.
As a result, knowing what to do when they break out or refuse to heal is crucial.
First and foremost, if the blister is unpleasant but still intact, do not attempt to rupture it yourself.
It’s preferable to seek advice from a doctor or a podiatrist.
If, on the other hand, the fluid bag punctures itself, consider the following first-aid measures:
- Thoroughly disinfect the wound without removing the dead skin
- Apply an antibacterial ointment
- If the blister is on the heel or big toe, wear a bandage with protective padding
- Change the dressing as soon as it threatens to get too wet
Treatments offered by the podiatrist
In the case of recurrent blisters, when there is no sign of infection, the podiatrist will consider the causes more closely.
To identify possible biomechanical abnormalities, they may use diagnostic techniques such as:
Here are some treatments for blisters that happen as a result of a biomechanical imbalance:
- Foot orthoses that allow a better distribution of weight on the entire sole of the foot.
- Orthopedic shoes that are better adapted to the structural characteristics of the feet
If the fluid blister refuses to burst, the podiatrist can resort to foot care to drain it.
Finally, blisters can cause movement problems and even joint pain if they occur frequently.
If this is the case, the podiatrist can offer more treatments to help alleviate the problem.
PiedRéseau – Learn more
Are you interested in learning more about foot blisters? Our website is full of information for this subject!
Even if PiedRéseau’s online platform provides useful content, nothing surpasses a real podiatric consultation.
Take care of your feet, they’re precious!
A foot blister is a skin blister that contains a clear, serous liquid. It can cause discomfort, redness, and infection in certain people.
In reaction to repetitive contact, the body produces blisters as a defensive mechanism. When the foot comes into touch with the inside of the shoe, the friction that ensues can develop a foot blister.
It is not recommended that you puncture the blister yourself. Although piercing may be required, it is suggested that you get it done by a podiatrist. This is especially true if the blister is causing discomfort.
The podiatrist will do specific foot care and only drain the fluid from the blister if it is causing too much discomfort to ensure that it heals properly. It’s not a good idea to pierce your blister.
A foot blister, in the great majority of situations, is not harmful. The only time a foot blister should be a cause for worry is if it bursts, resulting in an infection. Take your blister carefully if you are diabetic or immunocompromised, as infection can lead to a variety of problems.
If you have a blister, it is not advised to continue jogging or engaging in any running sport. At the absolute least, make sure your shoes are comfortable and loose-fitting, that your socks are thick, and that you use a bandage to protect the afflicted region from friction. Consult a podiatrist if you’re unsure.
