Sports Medicine
A Crucial Period
Good Pain, Bad Pain
On Your Knees
Secondary Injuries
Imaging Technology
What's Sciatica?
The Female Athlete
Putting Your Feet First
Itis Schmitis
Too Much, Too Soon
Under the Influence
Twisted
What's Goin' On?
Think Inches, Not Pounds
Preventing Vaginitis
That Painful Pull
Athlete's Heart
Exercise & Arthritis
Chilled to the Bone
Measuring Body Fat
Exercise and Your Breasts
Choosing a Sports Doctor
Lean on Me (Shoulder)
Exercise & Anemia
Exercise Abuse
Pelvis Sighting
Hand Aid
It's All in the Wrist
Back in Action
Altitude Adjustment
Tennis Elbow, Anyone?
Exercising in the Heat
Agony of the Feet
Restless Legs
Night Time Cramps
Birth Control Concerns
No Periods, No Babies?
Post Partum Prescription
Weight Loss Mystery
Undesirable Cooldown
To Brew Or Not To Brew
Fitness After Baby
Biking and Back Pain
Swimmer's Shoulder
A Hidden Athlete
Avoiding Osteoporosis
Drug Testing
Maximum Heart Rate
Headway Against Headaches
Torn Rotator Cuff
Fat Figures
SOS About PMS
Bloody Urine
Sag Story
Lackluster Leg
Bothersome Bulge
Gaining in Years
Taking It On the Shin
Aching Ankles
Hoop Help
Tender Toes
Meals For Muscle
Growing Pains
Hot Tips
High Altitude PMS
Personal Bests
Air Pollution
Ankle Blues
Heartbreak Heel
Yeast Relief



Agony of the Feet

Taking care of the athlete 's bane - blisters.

I used to run 5-plus miles regularly, but I started developing large blisters on my feet. I've tried bandages, moleskin, polypropylene liners beneath my socks and several different brands of running shoes.

Eventually large callouses form with blood blisters under them. What should I do?

S.R.
Hartford, Connecticut

A. Blisters develop when friction separates skin layers, permitting fluid and sometimes blood to accumulate. The feet usually toughen up after a week or two and the problem lessens.

However, when large callouses develop over an area that has previously blistered, they cause more friction between the callous and underlying skin and blood vessels, resulting in the blood blister that you describe. Ongoing blister and callous problems are generally caused by either improperly fitted shoes or abnormal foot function.

First, check your shoe fit. Women's feet are narrower in the heel and broader in the forefoot than men's feet. Women's shoes are often too tight in the forefoot. If your shoes fit well, you may have a biomechanical problem.

Check the wear pattern on your shoes. If you wear the shoe out under the ball of your foot, your foot may be rolling inward too much (pronation). Excessive supination (rolling the ankle out) causes problems on the arch and outside of the foot. Both problems might be solved by wearing a more stable shoe.

Women are also prone to bunions, a bony prominence on the joint between the big toe and the forefoot. This problem might be alleviated in the early stages by wearing a shoe with a wider forefoot.

What should you do if you think your blisters are caused by a biomechanical problem?

Next | 1 | 2 |


Order Now!
Order The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide
Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine



General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
Sexual Health
Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention


The information in this web site is for educational purposes only and is not providing medical or professional advice. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have or suspect you might have any health problems, you should consult a physician.


Copyright 2000 - Sports Doctor, Inc.