HELP! I feel stupid......

CarmenSantiago
CarmenSantiago Posts: 681 Member
edited September 19 in Fitness and Exercise
for asking this but I need any suggestions I can get. I've been walking every day for about 2 hours a night. I walk between 6 to 8 miles depending on the route I take and the time I have. Okay, the problem is I have blisters on top of blisters on my feet. I wear thick Under Amour booties and I bought the best Asics money could buy (they are made for walking/running). So, I've spared no expense on the best that I could for my feet but still they are suffering. I don't want to stop walking, or even take a break. I tried wearing blister pads and after only 4 miles last night could barely take another step. They really weren't any help.

Should I wrap my feet? What can I do to prevent future blisters? Or can I? I do carry 80 extra pounds around while I'm walking so I realize this "weighs" on my feet. That's why I don't run/jog YET. Also last night after the 2nd mile I got this really sharp pain on the top of my foot. I don't know if it was a cramp or what it was. I just kept walking (though it was difficult) and eventually it stopped hurting so badly. It was sore when I got home and hurt ever so slightly this morning but seemingly ok right now.

Any experienced runner/walkers with suggestions/ideas? Also, this isn't a "dry" walk. I didn't go from nothing to 6 to 8 miles overnight. I was doing 30 minutes on my eliptical every day and casually walking around the neighborhood. The walking I do now is very brisk. I've clocked my miles to 14 minutes. So between 4 and 5 miles per hour.

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback! You guys are the best! :drinker:

Replies

  • Doitforbaby120808
    Doitforbaby120808 Posts: 51
    Okay I worked for podiatrist ( FOOT DOCTOR) for 2 years.. I suggest that you find a local podiatrist in your area and see them.. Most insurance will cover it. Most likely you need supportive orthotics that are shoe inserts like the one in the store but there molded to your feet. Try epsom salt soaks to help the healing process and to reduce the risk of infection.

    Maybe you could try varing your work out so its not Sooo much walking maybe there is and eliptical machine or a recumbant bike or a rowing machine! Varying your work out helps tone your body and lose the weight faster anyways.

    But for sure go see your local foot doctor. You probably wont need a referal and you will be amazed at what they can do for the foot pain.

    There may be some correctable underlined issues. Also there is a product called MOLE SKIN. You can find it in your pharmacy and it is way better that billster pads.. You out on the blister pads or smome form of protection and the mole skin wraps and adheds to the sore area and or the shoe and doesnt come off easily. Its highly reccommended for diabetics that get ulcuerations and runners with blisters. I hope this helps!
  • MTGirl
    MTGirl Posts: 1,490 Member
    You need to put some kind of lubricant on top of your feet 'cuz the rubbing is causing the blisters - I've heard of people using petroleum jelly but they make stuff for runners to apply on areas of their body where there is chafing or irritation from clothing or shoes. I think they talk about it on Cool Running.com some - I'll see if I can find a reference to the product. BRB!
  • havingitall
    havingitall Posts: 3,728 Member
    Use moleskin on the blisters until they heal. Try tying your shoes a bit tighter the fit may be off some
  • MTGirl
    MTGirl Posts: 1,490 Member
    Body Glide is the only product I could find named. Some of these hints should help prevent future blisters - about the pain though Doitforbaby is right you should see a podiatrist. Good luck!
  • cc_campbell81
    cc_campbell81 Posts: 622
    Maybe you need a different type of shoe. Your current shoes may be great just not great for your feet. There are shoe stores that will help you determine the proper size and style of shoe. Also remember they should be a little lose when you try them on because your feet will swell when walking.I know you don't want to take a break but that's the only way to heal. Try an altermate excercise or do a week of strength training. Cardio alone will help with weight loss but strength training is important for toning. Also if you do the same thing everyday your body will get too used to it. Good luck.
  • CarmenSantiago
    CarmenSantiago Posts: 681 Member
    Okay I worked for podiatrist ( FOOT DOCTOR) for 2 years.. I suggest that you find a local podiatrist in your area and see them.. Most insurance will cover it. Most likely you need supportive orthotics that are shoe inserts like the one in the store but there molded to your feet. Try epsom salt soaks to help the healing process and to reduce the risk of infection.

    Maybe you could try varing your work out so its not Sooo much walking maybe there is and eliptical machine or a recumbant bike or a rowing machine! Varying your work out helps tone your body and lose the weight faster anyways.

    But for sure go see your local foot doctor. You probably wont need a referal and you will be amazed at what they can do for the foot pain.

    There may be some correctable underlined issues. Also there is a product called MOLE SKIN. You can find it in your pharmacy and it is way better that billster pads.. You out on the blister pads or smome form of protection and the mole skin wraps and adheds to the sore area and or the shoe and doesnt come off easily. Its highly reccommended for diabetics that get ulcuerations and runners with blisters. I hope this helps!


    Wow you are the best! Thank you! I never thought about seeing a podiatrist. I will look and see if my insurance covers it and see if I have one in my area. I won't hesitate to go see one if it will help my poor feet. They have been long suffering as I carried around over 400 pounds on my 5ft frame for many years.

    I am going to the pharmacy on my lunch hour and pick up some moleskin and epsom salt. Thank you, I would never have known to do that.

    I do have an eliptical and I will probably take a day or two off from walking while my feet heal and just work out on that. I had been working out on my eliptical every day until about 2 weeks ago when it started getting really nice out. Now, it's hard to keep me inside. Thanks again for your advice!! xx
  • CarmenSantiago
    CarmenSantiago Posts: 681 Member
    Use moleskin on the blisters until they heal. Try tying your shoes a bit tighter the fit may be off some

    I'm going to run out and lunch and get some moleskin. That is a great suggestion, I didn't know they made such a thing. I do tie my shoes pretty tight and I retie during the walk if they seem to loosen a bit. You're right about the fit; I think I've actually lost weight in my feet. They seem bigger now then when I bought them 3 months ago.

    Thanks for you advice! xx
  • frankborelli
    frankborelli Posts: 218 Member
    +1 on all the moleskin recommendations. It's what I used for years in the Army to keep my boots from rubbing the blisters open and raw, and to cover the broken ones.

    You mention heavy underarmor socks... remember that all that extra fabric, while cushiony, may allow for your feet to move around and therefore create blisters. Overall you want a sock / shoe combination that is snug and supportive without cutting off any circulation.

    Military runners vary how far they run every third week - they reduce to limit chances of stress fractures. I know the routine is great, but try modifying the length of your walk a little every other week or every third. Reduce it by about 25% and add in a different exercise that doesn't put so much pressure on your feet, knees and back. SWIM...

    Just my two cents worth and quite possibly not worth that! LOL
  • CarmenSantiago
    CarmenSantiago Posts: 681 Member
    Maybe you need a different type of shoe. Your current shoes may be great just not great for your feet. There are shoe stores that will help you determine the proper size and style of shoe. Also remember they should be a little lose when you try them on because your feet will swell when walking.I know you don't want to take a break but that's the only way to heal. Try an altermate excercise or do a week of strength training. Cardio alone will help with weight loss but strength training is important for toning. Also if you do the same thing everyday your body will get too used to it. Good luck.

    Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I am so stubborn I know I need to take a break, but I just wanna be a :cry: baby and do what I want. LOL When it's so nice outside it's hard for me to be inside. But, I am going to give the walking a break for a couple days and just hop back on my eliptical.

    Also the shoe issue is something I hadn't thought of either. I was just telling one of the other posters that when I bought the shoes they fit great and I purchased them with walking in mind, but since then (3 months ago) I think I've lost weight in my feet. They are comfortable and they've done me well to now but I think it would not be a bad idea at all to go for a new pair where I can be fitted specifically for my size, shape, and what I need.

    Thanks again! xx
  • dbg1
    dbg1 Posts: 208
    Your body needs to adjust to such a long routine. Stop it until you are healed. Add other exercises in the mean time. Then once your feet are healed, start with 1/2 hour and then increase a little bit each week. Monitor your progress. See how your body reacts. You've got a strong will but the body is not quite ready to match your drive.

    You will get there just not as fast you would like. Remember, your in this for the long term.
  • CarmenSantiago
    CarmenSantiago Posts: 681 Member
    Body Glide is the only product I could find named. Some of these hints should help prevent future blisters - about the pain though Doitforbaby is right you should see a podiatrist. Good luck!

    I am going to check out that body glide. That is a great website you provided. I never thought (seems I don't think much, lol) about going looking on the web for any help. My first thought is to come to the "experts" here. :bigsmile:

    I am going to check on a podiatrist and definitlely going to pick up some moleskin. Also, going to give my feet a break and do a different work out. Just wanted to be a brat and not change things. LOL

    Thanks again, all the suggestions I've gotten are great! xx
  • CarmenSantiago
    CarmenSantiago Posts: 681 Member
    Your body needs to adjust to such a long routine. Stop it until you are healed. Add other exercises in the mean time. Then once your feet are healed, start with 1/2 hour and then increase a little bit each week. Monitor your progress. See how your body reacts. You've got a strong will but the body is not quite ready to match your drive.

    You will get there just not as fast you would like. Remember, your in this for the long term.


    LOL you are sooooooooooo right about the will being strong but the body is not up for the match. That's a great way to put it! I know I have to take it easy, really I've put my body through a lot. I don't carry as much excess weight around now, but I used to carry 210 more pounds in addition to the 80 I still have to lose. I am going to slow down. I knew I should, I guess I just needed you guys to tell me I should.

    Thanks! xx
  • CarmenSantiago
    CarmenSantiago Posts: 681 Member
    +1 on all the moleskin recommendations. It's what I used for years in the Army to keep my boots from rubbing the blisters open and raw, and to cover the broken ones.

    You mention heavy underarmor socks... remember that all that extra fabric, while cushiony, may allow for your feet to move around and therefore create blisters. Overall you want a sock / shoe combination that is snug and supportive without cutting off any circulation.

    Military runners vary how far they run every third week - they reduce to limit chances of stress fractures. I know the routine is great, but try modifying the length of your walk a little every other week or every third. Reduce it by about 25% and add in a different exercise that doesn't put so much pressure on your feet, knees and back. SWIM...

    Just my two cents worth and quite possibly not worth that! LOL


    Thanks Frank for your suggestions. Your two cents worth could possibly be drastically reduced with the state of the economy but I'll take it nonetheless. :bigsmile:

    I have thinner booties that I will try the next time I walk. I'm also going to check out a better fit for me shoe and take the moleskin suggestion. I will give my feet a break and get back on my eliptical for a couple days.

    I just got a membership to the Y because my boys have memberships and they're forever wanting to go play basketball. So, I can let them storm the courts and I can hit the pool, win, win. That's a good suggestion.

    I realize I got a little over zealous about the walking thing. I just started walking and when I realized how far I walked and how fast I was walking I just felt great. Not too many years ago I couldn't take 2 steps without being breathless and having to sit down. Huge for me to be among the "normal" people that CAN walk.


    I like being outside with nature. I have a hard time being inside when it's nice out. I also do a lot of gardening and yard work. I guess I can subsidize my inside work out with that in addition to scaled back walks. Thanks bunches!! xx
  • Doitforbaby120808
    Doitforbaby120808 Posts: 51
    No prob. Also a suggestion. People say to wear your shoes tight without the extra padded socks. Thats not exactly right. You want your shoes bigger!! Everyone in the world almost wears their shoes too tight.. The difference is you want to lace them EXTREAMLY tight to prevent slipping and good for you on the Podiatirist.

    Good luck
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