One of the most overlooked injuries on the PGA Tour are blisters. Usually located somewhere around the foot or heel they also are present in the hand and fingers. The causes usually are a new pair of shoes or hitting a ton of golf balls on the range. Blisters can become a huge problem and inhibit performance for 2-3 weeks if not treated properly. Even if there is a pre-blister skin soreness or tenderness it should be addressed.
General approaches that are very effective involve:
- Cleansing the area with an antiseptic.
- Covering the blister with second skin, then a bandaid, with a top covering of moleskin or even K-tape to ensure that the material coverings will not fall off with moisture from sweating and/or pressure from the golf shoe.
- If continued moisture inhibits blister healing, zinc oxide is often used over the blister to promote drying and healing, then apply the necessary coverings.
After playing the golfer is advised to remove the coverings, clean the affected area and let air get to the blister to promote further healing. The next day of golf they are to come in prior to playing for the same treatment. This procedure is to go on until the blister heals.
John Wooden, former winner of 10 NCAA Basketball Championships with UCLA, always began his first practice of the season on how to avoid getting blisters. He could understand injuries disrupting playing time but not blisters.
A simple problem that effects performance and diminishes the golfer’s earnings if not treated efficiently.
