Falling to bits now an issue

mike s · Falling to bits now an issue

Couple of failing body issues which in addition to new job and as a result spending little time at home are making training for London near impossible.

Main one is blisters both feet same place bottom of second toe in or 4 from big toe, the toe has a point/ridge running down the middle of it and the blister runs down the middle, it forms a sack/blister which fills with clear liquid on 6-9 miles and fills with blood on 10-26 and bursts. I have tried 3 different makes of proper fitted trainers and various socks but they come and remain, plasters, blister plasters are not suitable for a small area and they do not work, I will try and tape it up next time but if there is any idea how I can remove this bugbear which I have had since I started running that would be most helpful.

The other which stops the relative fluid running/jogging dead is a feeling like a twisted knee this coincides with the new job and the additional 10-15 hours a week driving I now do instead on travelling on the train. I only notice this after 3-4 miles and it does not matter if I’m on the road, a trail or a treadmill

I can run on with a blister but the knee feels too much like an issue and makes the leg feel heavy and painful.

Doing the Bury 20 the knee issue was dreadful in that last 5 and dealt with by periodic walking and the blister burst at mile 16.

I would ask at the club but doing shifts and a need to drive plus current work training makes that difficult at the moment. Sorry this is long but whatever happens I will be doing London I just want to try deal with some of the issues beforehand.

I suppose also if there is anyone I can visit who will be able to have a look at these issues that would also be helpful.

Thanks

Mike S

gmike

Hi Mike,

After a quick trawl of the Runners' World Forum it seems the first port of call is shoe and sock combination.

Shoes should be at least a half size bigger than your 'correct' sizing .. I say 'correct' as the size worn and the size you should be wearing are not neccessarily the same ... proper fitting needed.
The larger size, or your current shoe, may need different lacing than your usual pattern to ensure they're held securely at the top without pulling at the front and collapsing the toe box.
Decent pair if wicking running socks, again not to tight at the toe and not pulled right up.

also ..

Neatly trimmed toenails
Treating toes with surgical spirit to harden or vaseline to soften
Being barefoot whenever possible ...(not while running unless you happen to be Zola Budd) .. again to toughen.
Using ones of those Pumice/grater thingies to remove hard skin, callouses, ridges

Not to sure about the knee prob but maybe, if it's the same leg as the blisters, you're compensating for the discomfort by changing your gait which on impact is affecting further up your leg .. ie knee, hip, lower back

Some people did recommend:

'Gel Toe Caps' from the chemist which are cut to suit and slip over the offending toe/s to protect it.
Shoes with no socks but a toe full of Vaseline or shoes with socks but Vaseline in the toe of the sock .. eww!
Taping toes with Micropores.

Hope this helps ... if I find anything else I'll let you know.

rgds

Mike

Ernie

Re Blisters : Mike I use Mefix fabric adhesive tape around each problem toe and on that bigger problem second toe I also put a toe cushion "advanced ploymer Tube available from Boots" as well.
You can also apply vaseline or other specific lubricant over on top of the taped toes etc if you wish.
I prefer to use Thorlos socks as they are well padded but I'm sure everyone has there own preference.
I'd use Mefix Tape under your foot as well and a good trick to soften the feet (hence less blistering) is to try to smother your feet with vaseline put a pair of socks on and try to sleep with it.
I purchase Mefix Tape online from econo med - www.econo-med.com

Good Luck

mike s

Mike, Ernie,

Both thanks so much I will take on board the advice and try to remedy this, with regard to shoes always half a size bigger and fitted with gait checks video and treadmill etc I know the problem stems from having rubbish feet/toes and needing to toughen the feet so I cannot wait to try the suggestions starting tonight wife should be pleased not.

I had tried to google/RW this issue but the blisters where never in the same place so I knew there would be a good result on asking so again thanks chaps.

Rgds

Mike

Mike Mason

Mike, in addition look at:

http://vonhof.typepad.com/

This guy is a foot expert...his book Fixing your feet is a marvel, but it's at home and I can't get to it. But apart from looking for similar conditions you can also drop him a line and he will diagnose.

Ernie's points sound valid. Additionally, if the skin ridge you have developed can be filed down that will also pay dividends..

Mike

Mike Mason

try this he has moved:

http://fixingyourfeet.com/