When buying a new pair of shoes, especially tennis shoes that are worn for physical activities, a common concern is blisters. Blisters are raised areas of skin that contain either clear fluid or blood. When wearing tennis shoes, there are several things you should keep in mind to help prevent blisters from forming.
Causes
Blisters that are related to tennis shoes, or any shoe for that matter, are caused by friction from either wearing a shoe too long, or wearing a poorly fitted shoe, or a new shoe that has yet to form to your foot. As the material of the tennis shoe rubs up against your foot, the irritation can cause an area of raised skin to form. Inside this raised skin is typically a clear fluid called serum or plasma. Occasionally blood my fill the blister as well.
Effects
Blisters can make wearing your tennis shoes uncomfortable. Blisters typically cause pain and pressure when you bear weight on the affected tissue, or when your shoes or socks rub up against the blister, causing further irritation. Blisters can also burst, increasing the risk for infection.
Buying shoes
In order to prevent blisters, it's important to choose well fitting tennis shoes. Look for tennis shoes that allow a small amount of room in your toe for movement, but are not so large that your feet are constantly sliding around in the shoe, or too small that the tennis shoe creates constant pressure on the skin. Shop during the middle of the day for a better fitting, suggests the Mayo Clinic, as your feet tend to swell throughout the day, throwing off the size needed for the time of day you are most active.
Prevention
Keeping your feet dry can help prevent blisters from forming. Use foot powder or choose well-ventilated shoes and breathable socks when exercising or taking part in other activities that can cause your feet to sweat. If blisters consistently form in one spot, place a "second skin" over the area, such as medical tape or a bandage.
Treatment
When you develop a blister, it's important to try not to pop the blister skin. The skin over the blister protects the area from infection. However, some blisters may need to be popped if they are extremely painful, or make it difficult to walk. To pop a blister, carefully wash your hands and the blister with soap and water. Swab the blister with iodine to kill off any bacteria in the area. Sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol and puncture the blister in several spots around the edge of the blister to allow the area to drain. Apply an over-the-counter anti-bacterial product to the blister and cover with a bandage.
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