Author Topic: Blister solutions  (Read 971 times)

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Offline JJHACK

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Blister solutions
« on: March 28, 2005, 03:10:41 AM »
Many of the hunters I have in camp end up with a blister on their heel blow the narrow spot from the tendon running up the back of the heel to the calf muscle, or right on the back of the foot above the heel.

It seems no matter how well they think the boots are broken in they don't spend time walking up hills for an hour. This stress on the backs of the heels against a ill fitting boot or sock can cause a hella bad expereince and ruin the rest of the trip. Walking up hills for miles or very steep sections for even a few hundred yards can cause fast "hot spots" on your feet.

When I have a client that cannot walk due to raw feet after the first day of a ten day hunt, it's a really bad situation! I have searched high and low for the best solution and am always open to new Ideas. I use Mole skin and double socks with the boots tied loosely and we shuffle along as far as we can. Is there anyone anyplace that can provide a better fix?

Is it better or not to puncture the blister? I think it's worse to do this so I never suggest it. I think the water inside is the best protection it can have. But I just don't know what to do. Clearly the best thing to do is stop the very instant that a problem is considered. Most guys seem to think "oh it's nothing". Problem is that by the time you feel a little bit of a hot spot the damage is done. Going further is going to create an un-repairable condition. I have also found.......... on myself that as soon as I feel a hot spot if I take my socks off apply mole skin and replace with dry socks, I'll usually be just fine. If I let it go until a while later, I'm in big trouble!

No matter how tough your feet are or how well broken in your boots are, problems can come up. Wet sweaty feet are a primary cause. A folded or crumpled sock is another primary cause. Extreme angles for a long distance are the biggest killer for me.

If there are any new blister solutions please share them. My hunting season starts in May so I have a month to buy the proper stuff to help foot sore clients, or even myself before I leave for Africa.





Hard to walk and hike in this condition, an Expensive hunt can be ruined on the first morning hike if not prepared with good boots. Or if you do not understand the warning signs of early blister developement.
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Offline GEMSBUCK

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Blister solutions
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2005, 03:46:41 AM »
NEVER puncture the blister, the saline in side the layer of skin is there to protect against infection. Sadly there is no easy method to resolve the problem, best to avoid it to begin with.
 But a quick fix is to apply vaseline liberally to the area, cover with a sterile non stick pad taped in place then wear loose fitting clothing over the area.
 If the blister ruptures on it's own, common sense for cleanseing the effected area, followed by an ointment such  as over the counter Bentadine followed up with the above.

Offline hardertr

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Blister solutions
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2005, 05:25:11 AM »
This topic is pretty near-and-dear to my heart since my 26 mile ruck march 2 weeks ago.  Not a single blister...and I wore my combat boots.

DUCT TAPE is your best friend!!  Use it like a sport wrap BEFORE you head out.  Start on top of your foot, wrap under, then up to wrap the ankle.  It's a bit tight at first, but it will loosen after a couple of steps.  You can also use it on the balls of your feet if you feel a hot spot starting.  Once you are wrapped, dust the tape with powder to "seal the edges"...that way it won't catch on your sock and peel loose.  Depending on how much you sweat, you may need to change it if you feel it "slipping".  I made 26 miles in the New Mexico desert, and didn't have to change it once.

I've tried mole skin, panty hose and expensive socks...NOTHING works as well as tape and powder.

The only down side: removing it sucks if you have hairy feet/ankles :eek: unless you worked up a good sweat under the tape.


And NO, don't break the blister.  Your body will take care of itself....unless you break the skin and get an infection started.
The problem with troubleshooting is....sometimes it shoots back!

Offline IntrepidWizard

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Blister solutions
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2005, 05:32:09 AM »
Bad blisters and a long way to go?Punture and insert Super Glue.
Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force! Like fire, it is
a dangerous servant and a fearful master. -- George Washington

Offline 5Redman8

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« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2005, 10:26:13 AM »
Not saying this is the best way to avoid infection but i NEVER miss a day of hunting for anything.

I puncture, dry with alcohol(stings a bit), the like another poster said.....cover with duct tape.  I do one longitudinal strip below the heel and up the back side of the ankle.

Hurts when it is taken off and when the tape rips off the skin.....cover with Super Glue and then tape again.

Much better to avoid in the first place but i have gotten by with this method but then again, i would have raw feet before I QUIT.

Later,
Kyle

Offline leverfan

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Blister solutions
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2005, 11:19:21 AM »
I was going to make the duct tape preventative suggestion, but someone beat me to it.  I also agree that duct tape works well after the fact, and so does just gritting your teeth and going.  The only other pieces of advice would be:

Use a good spray-on anti-perspirant, and let it dry, before applying tape.  In one test conducted by the US Army, anti-perspirant alone reduced the number of blisters by something like 80%.  If you stop the sweat, and don't soak your boots in a creek, that should help.

When wearing two pairs of socks, I use one of the new high-tech wicking fabric socks designed especially as a liner, followed by a purpose designed high-tech boot sock.  Places like REI are likely to carry these sorts of items.  I'll go on extended hikes with out many clothing changes, except for lots of extra socks.  I have learned the hard way that socks matter more than clean undies on a long hike.  

When buying a new pair of boots, buy from a store that has a mini hiking trail, or at least a few good ramps, so that you can have some idea of how the boots will perform on a slope.  Walking across a flat floor doesn't tell you if your toes will end up jammed into the toe box on a down hill, or if your heel will be scraped raw on an up hill.  If you're on a budget, go to the full service store and pick the perfect boots and socks, then order them from a discounter like Sierra or Camp-Mor.
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Offline TScottO

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Blister solutions
« Reply #6 on: April 06, 2005, 05:53:12 PM »
Our local bowling alley use to keep blister repair kits for thumbs and fingers. ItÂ’s real similar to what these guys are referring to with superglue. It stings awful badly at first but it allows you to keep bowling and no longer hurts. But like you are saying, prevention is the key.

Be Safe,
Scott