Running Blisters – How to Avoid Them

Running can sometimes get really painful for the body. Races such as 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon put too much pressure on a runner, driving him to run faster in order to win. The faster the runner gets the more friction his toes are getting, and this friction can lead to a serious running problem -- running blisters. Blisters on your foot are considered serious since they can hinder your speed and can lead to failure on your most awaited running glory.

Running blisters may become a big hindrance as you run but there are ways to deal with it while you are in a race such as a marathon. Measures are taken in order to alleviate the pain and prevent more blisters as you go towards the finish line. Maybe the reason for the blisters is that your shoes are too tight. In this case, loosen the shoelaces to allow more room for your precious feet. Put powder into your feet to reduce moisture and keep the blisters from worsening. Petroleum jelly such as Vaseline also helps to lubricate the feet, reducing friction as you continue to run. Place a bandage onto the blister to cover and cushion it, change socks if possible.

"Prevention is better than cure." Preventive tips for running blisters are discussed below:

Shoes
The most important running gear is the shoes. Make sure that when buying one, you give an allowance of half an inch to your regular shoes or just feel every essential areas like above your toes and around your heels and make sure that those areas are comfortable and have enough space. Try walking around the store for a while before buying. Try not to tighten too much the shoelaces when putting on your shoes.

Socks
Avoid using cotton socks; try using specially made fabrics designed for running. They wick moisture and dry easily. Products such as CoolMax and Dri-fit are more effective in preventing running blisters although they are a bit costly.

Petroleum Jelly
Lubricating the feet before running is a very helpful tip to prevent the feet from getting blisters. If you are not comfortable with it you can have a powder as a substitute, but otherwise, use petroleum jelly because it is much more effective.

Tape
Athletic tapes or duct tapes are also an effective preventive remedy. Cover all areas that are more prone to have blisters. Moleskin also works but as your feet gets sweaty, it won’t stick really well.

For more information about this article, please check out Running Blisters, and Run to Finish.