Finding the Right Combination
This is Part V in a series about blister formation and prevention. Below are links to the first four parts of the series. Finding the Right Combination Each athlete needs to find a blister prevention strategy that works for him or her. One may use a lubricant, another may use Zeasorb powder, and yet another […]
The Power of ENGO
Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, a company dedicated to the prevention and relief of skin breakdown for individuals with prosthetic limbs and orthopedic braces, created ENGO Blister Prevention Patches in 2004. The patches are designed to prevent blisters and reduce pain from existing blisters. These patches are one of the best products to help athletes that have […]
A Survey about Your Favorite Tapes
I have often shared information about different types of tape for blister prevention and blister patching. I have my favorites, but am always open to learning about new tapes. When I first learned about taping, there were only a few commonly used tapes. There was duct tape, Elastikon, and white athletic tape. That was back […]
Another Horrific Blister Story
Last July I wrote a blog post about The Year’s Best Blister Horror Story. I told how Marin Cilic was unable to continue in his championship tennis match at Wimbledon against Roger Federer—because of a blister that formed under a callus on the ball of his left foot. Before you decided to skip reading this post […]
An Advanced Course about Maceration
Several weeks before Western States last year I wrote a blog post about conditions on the course and how feet were going to be wet. The title was Running a Wet 100-Mile Trail Run. I talked about what would happen to runners’ feet, and steps I would take to manage my feet if I were running. […]
Results of Tape Survey
I recently asked two questions in an online survey. Very simple questions. There were 57 responses. Let’s start with the first question. What is your favorite tape for pre-taping for blister prevention? The tapes ranked highest were, Leukotape P and KT Tape kinesiology tape both at 19.3%. However if you add all the kinesiology tapes […]
Cutting Your Calluses
When I saw this video, I knew I had to share it with all of you. You probably know how much I dislike calluses on runner’s feet. You can easily blister under a callus, however draining the fluid can be painful and sometimes is impossible. Most people have some degree of callus somewhere on their […]
Diminished Heel Pad Treatment
I know a number of runners and athletes who struggle with loss of the fat pad under their heels. It’s a fairly common problem as we age. Some people have more of a problem with this than others. Several weeks ago I received an email from John Marnell. He wanted to share what worked for […]
Skip These Two Foot Care Products
I have always told athletes that I have three absolutes when it comes to foot care. Over the past years, they have not changed. The three are: 1) Proper toenail care, 2) reduce calluses, and 3) wear gaiters when running trails. I still stick by the three because, in my mind, they are proven. Now’s […]
Your First Ultra and Foot Care
It’s been many years since I ran my first ultra. It was probably about 1984 and it was the Skyline 50KM in the East Bay from San Francisco. I think I had a few smallish blisters. In later years as I ran longer ultras, I recall having more blisters. The one thing I know is […]