Influence of blistering lesions on foot functionality in hikers

Sara Zúnica-García; Coral Moya-Cuenca; Alba Gracia-Sánchez; Santi García-Cremades; Esther Chicharro-Luna

doi:10.1016/j.jtv.2023.05.004

Influence of blistering lesions on foot functionality in hikers

J Tissue Viability. 2023 Aug;32(3):395-400. doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2023.05.004. Epub 2023 May 21.

Authors

Sara Zúnica-García¹, Coral Moya-Cuenca², Alba Gracia-Sánchez³, Santi García-Cremades⁴, Esther Chicharro-Luna⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Nursing Area, Faculty of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Spain. Electronic address: szunica@umh.es.
² Department of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Nursing Area, Faculty of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Spain. Electronic address: cmoya@umh.es.
³ Department of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Nursing Area, Faculty of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Spain. Electronic address: agracia@umh.es.
⁴ Centre for Operations Research, Miguel Hernández University, Spain. Electronic address: jose.garciac@umh.es.
⁵ Department of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Nursing Area, Faculty of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Spain. Electronic address: ec.luna@umh.es.

PMID: 37258334
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2023.05.004

Abstract

Background: Friction blisters are formed by abrasion from frictional forces on the upper layer of the epidermis and can make physical activity an uncomfortable experience. To our knowledge, no previous studies have considered how these injuries affect the functionality of the foot. For this reason, the main aim of this study was to evaluate foot function in hikers, with or without blisters.

Material and methods: This case-control study examined 298 hikers who walked the Camino de Santiago long-distance trail (in northern Spain); 207 had one or more blistering foot lesions and 91 had no blisters. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected, and the number of blisters and their locations on the foot were recorded. All participants self-completed the Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire, in their native language.

Results: Pain and disability were significantly greater among the hikers with blisters (pain p=<0.001; disability p = 0.015). However, there were no significant differences in the limitation of physical activity between those with blisters (case group) and the control group (p = 0.144). Neither was there any correlation between the number of blisters and pain, disability or limitation of activity. However, the location of the lesion did influence foot functionality. Blisters on the metatarsal heads were more limiting and caused greater pain (right foot p = 0.009; left foot p = 0.017), greater disability (right foot p = 0.005; left foot p = 0.005), greater limitation of activity (on right foot p = 0.012) and more loss of foot functionality (right foot p = 0.002; left foot p = 0.007).

Conclusion: The hikers with blisters experienced reduced foot functionality in terms of pain and disability. The number of blisters was not related to foot functionality. Blisters located on the metatarsal heads caused the greatest increase in pain, disability and limitation of activity.

Keywords: Backpacker injuries; Blister; Dermatology; Foot Function; Hiking; Pain; Trekking.

MeSH terms

Blister*
Case-Control Studies
Foot
Humans
Pain / complications
Skin Diseases*
Walking / injuries