how to k o bubbles

People who engage in long-term running exercises will more or less suffer from running injuries. Among the many running injuries, there is one that is not very noticeable and is often overlooked by runners, yet it always catches people off guard and causes significant discomfort.

Yes, it's blisters!

When it comes to blisters, many runners would emphatically add the adjective 'annoying' in front. Indeed, blisters are a very annoying presence—they appear quite 'unintentionally,' especially in the hot summer. Runners might be enjoying their run, but then the soles of their feetsuddenly experience a sharp pain, completely ruining their good mood.

Although blisters do not cause serious damage to the runner's body like other running injuries, the pain they bring is unbearable. The needle-like pain is unforgettable for those who have experienced it. Moreover, it is hard to stay calm and finish the run when a blister is bothering you.

How exactly do blisters form?

The main cause of blisters on a runner's feet is friction. According to medical knowledge, the formation of blisters is actually a self-protection process of the body: the skin tissue on the feet may get damaged due to pressure and friction or get burned due to high temperatures. To avoid such 'hard injuries,' the friction area secretes tissue fluid to cushion the friction and protect the area. The pain felt is actually the tissue fluid 'colliding' under the surface skin, serving as a warning signal of the body's self-protection.

So how should we prevent blisters? First, let's look at the preventive measures.

Blister Prevention:

1. Well-fitting running shoes:

Choosing the right running shoes plays a direct role in preventing blisters. Ill-fitting shoes can cause pressure on certain parts of the feet, increasing friction and leading to blisters. Runners are advised to try on shoes before purchasing and to choose the same model when replacing shoes. Avoid wearing new shoes directly in a race; instead, do sufficient trial runs beforehand.

2. Suitable running socks:

Many runners might have experienced this: after changing several pairs of shoes that seemed to fit well, they still get blisters. In this case, the problem might lie with the socks. Thick cotton socks have a high friction coefficient and do not effectively wick away sweat, leading to high foot temperature and humidity, which easily causes blisters. Runners who run a lot daily should invest in lightweight, low-friction, well-fitting, and sweat-wicking running socks.

3. Protective measures:

Besides suitable shoes and socks, some auxiliary protective measures are also very effective in preventing blisters, especially for runners about to undergo long-distance training or races. These measures are essential: runners who frequently get blisters can apply medical tape to high-risk areas to reduce friction and impact. Additionally, runners can apply Vaseline or talcum powder between toes and other easily rubbed areas to buffer friction. Be careful not to apply too much Vaseline to avoid slipping during the run.

4. Besides friction, heat and fungal infections can also cause blisters.

Therefore, runners should maintain daily foot hygiene and keep their feet dry before and after running, especially in hot weather. If blisters caused by fungal infections are found, apply ointment immediately.

Following these preventive measures will significantly reduce the 'hit rate' of blisters. But if a runner still gets blisters, how should they deal with these pesky blisters?

Let's see what advice doctors have for us:

The human body has a strong self-healing ability, and blisters are no exception. If you leave the blister alone, it will naturally heal over time. However, this assumes you can endure the long period of not running and the prolonged pain.

Therefore, most runners choose to puncture the blister.

When dealing with blisters, pay attention to the following points:

1. You can use a thin blade or needle (runners with poor manual skills should use a needle). Remember to disinfect the tool with alcohol, fire, or boiling water before use.

2. After cleaning the area around the blister with medical alcohol, puncture the blister at an angle of about 30~45° from the edge.

3. Use a medical cotton swab to squeeze out the tissue fluid from the blister, trying to expel all the liquid. Do not stop halfway due to pain, as any remaining fluid may cause inflammation after bandaging.

4. After removing the fluid, apply some disinfectant solution.

5. Cover the wound with a band-aid. If the blister is large, use gauze and medical tape instead. If the blister is between two toes, place a medical cotton ball between them to protect the wound from new friction and absorb any remaining fluid, keeping the area dry.

6. Frequently remove the gauze or band-aid to allow the wound to ventilate and stay dry.

Additionally, if the blister is severe, runners should reduce or stop running for a few days after treating the blister. They can switch to strength training instead. Avoid getting the wound wet until the blister is completely dry and hard.

As long as preventive measures are taken, blisters are not entirely unavoidable. Hopefully, every runner can successfully avoid blisters and fully enjoy the joy of running!