Blisters can be a nuisance in all walks of life, but they can be particularly troublesome on the golf course. Golf is a game where a great deal of your success comes from feel and finesse, and an inconvenient blister can not only be incredibly painful but could also cost you strokes. Blisters generally develop on your hands and feet; there are ways to treat blisters then prevent them from returning.
Causes
Blisters are caused by friction --- and there are a number of different aspects of golf that can cause blisters, particularly on your feet and hands. You may not wear your golf shoes that often, meaning they are not as broken in as necessary and can rub on your feet, causing blisters. You can also develop blisters on your hands from holding the club too tightly, particularly if you are hitting a lot of balls on the driving range.
In-Round Treatment
If you feel a blister developing during the middle of a round, you can be proactive in treating it in hopes that you can stop it from becoming worse. If you are not wearing a golf glove, try putting one down to cut down on the friction between your hands and the grips of your clubs. You can also try using a bandage or piece of tape to cover the area of skin where you feel the blister developing.
After the Round
If you have a blister that has developed, try to keep the skin intact, as it helps to prevent infection. If the skin has broken, clean the area and apply a bandage and a piece of gauze for both cushioning and protection. If the blister makes it too painful to walk or grip any objects, try sterilizing a needle over a flame and gently puncturing the blister to allow it to drain. MayoClinic.com recommends applying an antibiotic shortly after, then trimming away the excess skin a few days later.
Prevention
To prevent blisters on your feet, try wearing thicker socks for more protection or wear your golf shoes around your yard to break them in further. If you are prone to developing blisters on your hands, purchase a golf glove to cut down on the friction. You can try loosening your grip on the club, but you should look into investing in higher-quality grips, too.
Posted in: Golf