There's no getting around it — virtually every runner will deal with the pain and discomfort that come with blisters. Fortunately, you can take steps to appropriately treat them and promote fast healing. You can even prevent them from occurring. Here's what you need to know about these pesky pains.

What causes blisters?

Running blisters are caused by a variety of factors. They're most commonly the result of prolonged friction and moisture on your skin, especially if your shoes don't fit properly or you're wearing socks made of material that doesn't best suit the elements in which you run. Increased levels of speed during races and workouts can also be a culprit, along with foot abnormalities such as bunions, hammertoes, and heel spurs. Blisters are especially common in long-distance runners because the longer you're on your feet and experiencing moisture and friction, especially if it's hot and humid outside, the more likely they are to surface.

What do blisters look and feel like?

Running blisters are characterized by small bubbles of skin with clear liquid and sometimes redness or bruising. They can also form under your toenails and bleed if they pop, leaving your toenails looking black. Blisters can sometimes be completely painless or very painful, but the good news is that on their own, they don't pose any serious health risk. However, continuing to run on them can make them more painful, and not caring for them properly could lead to an infection.