Sweat proof bandages to prevent Achilles blisters... ?

[lancecampeau]

Hello gang:

Last month I did back-to-back HM's over consecutive nights and I suffered an acute blister on my right Achilles. It started up during the first piece... then fully developed and tore away the next night during the second HM. The recovery time has been almost a full month now (MUCH longer then expected). This has really set my program back and now I am wary of trying any long pieces until I have a proper protective solution in place... The crumby part about all this? I've done many 30k+ pieces over the last 12 months and this is the first time this problem has come up. I tried cutting the back support of my shoes to help reduce the rubbing but that is a poor solution. It feels like strapless rowing which I do not like.

So, I'm looking for a some feedback on sweat proof / water resistant bandages that I can use to protect my Achilles tendons for long pieces. I have also tried to adjust my stroke to minimize the dreaded heel raise but its just so hard (I am not very flexible). Any suggestions for specific products or techniques would be appreciated

Thanks
Lance

[Dangerscouse]

I have never found a plaster that stays stuck. There are double skinned running socks that should do the trick

[JerekKruger]

I agree with Stu that plasters will typically not stay put, particularly if you're as sweaty as I am.

What shoes do you wear? Have you tried rowing with just socks, or even barefoot (assuming you have your own machine, I doubt most gyms would allow this)? I've never had problems with blisters anywhere on my feet and have, until recently*, rowed in just socks. If there's nothing there to rub on your achilles it can't form a blister right? Even if that's not an option, you might want to consider a different shoe.

Another thing to consider is whether you've got your footplates set too high. The higher they are the more plantar flexed your ankle will be at the end of the stroke and therefore the more pressure your shoe's support will put on your achilles.

*I did get pain in the side of my foot when rowing with straps so recently started wearing a pair of Reebok Nanos. They're overpriced but they work well for rowing as they have no heel raise, a pretty solid heel (you don't want a compressible heel), and a flexible forefoot.

[lindsayh]

there are special blister protector adhesive strips here that you just apply and leave on - couple of days under normal circumstances as they are quite "sticky" but probably won't survive the rower movement.

[Dangerscouse]

The only other suggestion I have got is wrapping kinesiology tape around your heel or possibly the whole foot? It seems to be stickier than plasters.

Tom has some good comments as I have never had a heel blister too.

[hobbit]

The best treatment for blisters in my experience is Compeed, at least that's what we call it here. It is made of a special plastic that has a texture like flesh. It's available in various sizes and shapes depending on where the blister is. It sticks really well and the great thng is that once in place, the blister doesn't hurt any longer. Marvellous stuff. Much used by hikers and runners.

[kini62]

Maybe try something similar to this?-

https://www.teva.com/men-sandals/katavi ... als-hiking

[Remo]

Experiment with Duct Tape. I used to use it for hiking boot Achilles blisters. It sticks well and the slickness helps prevent rubbing.

[lancecampeau]

Thanks for the feedback everyone... There are definitely a few things here that I hadn't considered... I'll report back after my next attempt.

[Ombrax]

Maybe try something similar to this?-

https://www.teva.com/men-sandals/katavi ... als-hiking

I use Vibram FiveFinger KSO minimalist shoes for all my gym activities and haven't had any issues with my Achilles tendon. (caveat, I don't row anything close to half-marathons)

http://us.vibram.com/shop/fivefingers/m ... ck#start=1

[rr0ss0rr]

I'll second the Vibram KSO's .. My originals finally wore out and I replaced them with the KSO Evo Cross Training Shoe. These have speed lacing, a little more padding in the achilles area and a rubber sole with no padding that will rob you of power at the catch.

[meintjiesj]

The best treatment for blisters in my experience is Compeed, at least that's what we call it here. It is made of a special plastic that has a texture like flesh. It's available in various sizes and shapes depending on where the blister is. It sticks really well and the great thng is that once in place, the blister doesn't hurt any longer. Marvellous stuff. Much used by hikers and runners.

Ditto, Compeed. Have saved me in many ultras from limping to the finish. It really does stick for a few days if you put it onto clean dry skin.