Do You Have Foot Blisters from Your Treadmill Workout?
If you walk, jog and/or run on a treadmill for a cardio workout, you may experience foot blisters. Even the best home treadmills in the industry such as those from Smooth Fitness and Sole, can’t keep them away if you are prone to them. What exactly are foot blisters? They are small bubbles of skin filled with clear fluid that can be anywhere on the foot.
Causes
Foot blisters are usually caused by friction. The socks you wear can rub against your skin. Also, sweaty feet and running shoes that are too small or tied tightly can cause blisters.
Prevention
Once of the best ways to prevent a blister is to ensure that your running shoes fit properly. That is why it is important to purchase shoes specifically for your treadmill workout. Your running shoes should be a ½ a size bigger because your feet swell when you workout. You should also have room in your toe box.
You can also buy socks that are made for working out. These specialty socks are made out of synthetic fabrics that keep moisture away from your feet, and they don’t bunch up. Also these socks don’t have seams. Double-layer socks for running are another great choice to prevent blisters. Instead of friction occurring between your skin and the sock, it occurs between the two sock layers to protect your foot.
Some avid runners, who have reoccurring blisters, put athletic tape or moleskin over places on their foot that they know have a potential for blistering. Ensure that the tape or moleskin is applied smoothly without being too tight.
Runners also use lubricants specifically made for the prevention of blisters. These lubricants can be applied to feet, and are available in a stick form that can be compared to deodorant.
Treatment
If you are suffering from a blister, and it isn’t painful, leave it alone. The skin is protecting the area, and eventually it will break and drain on its own. If it is unbearable, you can boil a needle for 5 minutes to sterilize it. Once it is cool, carefully pierce the blister, force the fluid out and then cover it with antiseptic cream and a Band-Aid or moleskin.
Although runners are used to blisters, they can be extremely painful and become infected. It is smart to do what you can to prevent them, and if you end up getting a blister, care for it properly. If you don’t, you may have to take a break from your treadmill workout routine.
