Why do I get blisters and how can I prevent them? I have also lost a toenail and another one looks like it’s going to bite the dust, too!
Thanks, in advance, for saving my feet.
Melanie
Meka answers:
This is a very common occurrence and I have to say I have been there. Last year I lost all but one toenail while training for a race. The answer is pretty simple….your shoes are not fitted properly.
Your running sneakers should be about 1 size larger than your regular shoe size. I know this may sound crazy, but I kid you not. (Remember I have been there…it took 1 year to get all my toe nails back!). Your feet need room to expand and move. When you are running, your feet swell and sweat. As they swell they take up more room in your shoe and then the sweat makes them slippery and they rub. The combination causes blisters on your feet and your toes to hit the front of your shoe. The repetitive hitting causes blisters under your toe nails and they loosen and fall off.
While I know that a nice pedicure is heavenly for some, you need to make sure you keep your toenails on the shorter side. This will help keep them from hitting the front of your shoe. Aside from a properly fitted shoe you should look for a sock that is dry wicking. That means that it wicks the moisture away from your feet and keeps them dry.
You can also use a product that you rub on your feet so that your socks don’t rub and irritate your skin. I use one called Body Glide. It looks like a little stick of deodorant. You rub it on your toes and feet wherever you get blisters before you run. I also use it in areas where some of my sports bras rub like on my chest. On long runs a lot of runners get chafing on their thighs and this is great for that as well.
Here is a link to different kinds so you can get a better idea of what I am talking about! http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/gear/gearskincare/
I hope this is helpful to everyone.
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