askrtahterdccaoe 34


jogscotlandmagazine Summer 2011


ask the doc by Dr JohnMacLean


Tell Dr Johnwhat’swrong and wewill publish his advice in our next edition of Stride or on the jogscotlandwebsite.


Dear Dr John,


I have recently started to increase my running distance but I have been suffering fromblisters. They seemto be causingme trouble along the edge of the tougher skin on the ball ofmy foot.


I don’t think it is caused bymy shoes or socks rubbing, it looksmore like it is caused by the pressure ofmy footfall,would cushioned socks help?


Any advicewould be gratefully received!


June Burr Aberdeen


Hi June,


Blisters are a very common problem for those of us who participate in sport, particularly running. They are caused by friction from shoes, clothing or sports equipment such as tennis racquets or golf clubs. The repeated rubbing causes the top layer of the skin to separate, with a layer of fluid developing underneath. Blisters are particularly common with new shoes or where the training distance or intensity has been increased – a potential cause in your case.


An early sign of a blister is reddening of the skin, which feels warm. Sometimes there may be bleeding into a blister (known as a blood blister), perhaps as a result of minor trauma such as sudden impact or “nipping” of the skin.Not surprisingly most blisters occur on the heels or soles of the feet or palms of the hands and are more likely to develop in warm, moist conditions.


Prevention of blisters means reducing friction. This involves a combination of appropriate footwear and socks and looking for the early warning signs of a blister and treating promptly. Proper fitting and appropriate footwear is the key – it is well worth the time and money getting good advice about new running shoes or walking boots and will save many hours treating painful blisters. Gradually introduce new running shoes. Moisture absorbing socks will minimise the sweat in your feet and reduce friction. Double layer socks prevent the first layer rubbing against the skin. Keep your feet dry and change socks regularly – using foot powder may help. Some runners use blister pads, second skin or tape areas prone to blisters to prevent their occurrence. Petroleum jelly will facilitate glide of your socks on your feet and minimise friction.


Treatment starts with regular foot inspection for “hot spots”. Intensify the dry socks with regular changing; apply second skin or blister plasters or petroleum jelly. If this fails and a blister appears, try to prevent the blister getting bigger or becoming infected (the skin becomes warmer, more painful and with red streaks on the skin radiating from the blister – infected blisters may contain or leak some pus).


In general I don’t advise runners to pop or drain blisters as the overlying skin affords the best protection against infection and facilitates quicker healing. Most just need kept clean and covered and allowed to heal naturally. If drainage is required it must be done as a sterile procedure with the overlying skin cleaned with alcohol or antiseptic solution and a small hole made with a sterile blade or needle at the edge of the blister, allowing the fluid to gently be expressed while maintaining the maximum amount of overlying skin as cover. One drained it should be covered with a sterile dressing.


If you are confident in your footwear and care of your feet then consider other possibilities. Analysis of your gait and the way your foot strikes the ground by an experienced sports physiotherapist or podiatrist may identify correctable factors which could prevent blister frequency.


Good luck! Dr John Maclean


If you have a question for Dr John, please email libby.pollock@scottishathletics.org.uk


right – Dr John is here to answer your every sporting question.


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