Marathon Musts

In the light of the upcoming Houston Marathon I thought it would be of importance and necessity to offer a few tips on blister prevention. If you are not planning on running the Houston Marathon but are an avid runner, this too will be a must read. If you have no plans to ever run a marathon, much less the distance from your couch to the fridge, please read anyways because you might just learn something. If you are planning on attending this event, don’t forget to visit Dr. Bowman in the medical tent!

Blister Prevention for You Marathoners

  • Socks are your friend. Please dont forget about them.
  • Cotton socks are to be avoided at all costs. Cotton tends to absorb and hold moisture which increases friction, THUS blister formation.
  • Nylon is a great choice for socks because it has higher breathability and less moisture buildup on the foot.
  • Wicking socks are thought to be better than nylon because of their ability to pull moisture away from the foot. Wicking socks are made out of a wool blend.
  • Bandage areas of increased risk of blister formation
  • It is thought that if you apply a moleskin type of bandage to areas that tend to blister more readily, then you might prevent there formation. Apply such bandages prior to donning your socks.
  • Powders and Creams
  • Another way to reduce friction while running is to apply said powders or creams to feet or socks. There are specific powders/creams (i.e. 2 Toms Blistershield, Dr. Scholls Blister Defense Stick, Footglide, or Vasoline).
  • Shoes that fit
  • As a general rule for everyday walking, proper fitting shoes make a world of difference. If your shoes are too loose your feet will slide and cause excess friction to your feet. If your shoes are too tight, you might be placing excess pressure on areas that are not prepared for that type of stress.
  • DONT RUN A MARATHON
  • Just kidding.

If you are an avid runner and have any type of foot or ankle issue, please contact Dr. Bowman at 713-467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com

Category: Skin Problems

Tags: Blisters, Houston Marathon