Wearing high heels may look stylish, but it can often lead to painful foot blisters. Blisters form when friction causes the layers of skin to separate, trapping fluid in between. High heels, especially those that are tight or have pointed toes, increase pressure and rubbing on certain areas of the foot, particularly the toes, heels, and balls of the feet. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and the development of fluid-filled bumps that can make walking uncomfortable or painful. If the blister bursts, the exposed skin can sting and may be at risk for infection. A podiatrist can treat painful or infected blisters safely and recommend ways to prevent them in the future. Treatment options include padding, blister dressings, proper wound care, and advice on shoe fit and foot hygiene. Custom orthotics or cushioned inserts can also reduce pressure in problem areas. If you have foot blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist who can guide you on how to prevent blisters from getting infected,  in addition to effective prevention tips.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein of Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chicago, Highland Park, and Uptown, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.