Scarborough Podiatrist / Chiropodist Offers Helpful Tips for Optimal Foot and Ankle Health

    TORONTO, ON, February 03, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For many athletes and weekend exercise warriors, winter is a time to enhance cardiovascular health. With the added risk for injury with winter sports, Vincent Ku, Scarborough podiatrist/chiropodist, offers some advice to keep patients active this winter season.

"Winter is the time of the year where many partake in activities such as sledding, skiing, snowboarding, ice-hockey, or casual ice-skating. Winter sports offer a fast track for fun, but expose the body to injuries, especially foot and ankle injuries," said Vincent Ku, chiropodist/podiatrist in Scarborough.

Vincent Ku, foot specialist in Scarborough, informs patients that some common winter and snow sports injuries related to the foot and ankle include frostbite, blisters, neuromas, sprains and strains, and subungual hematoma. Extreme exposure of a person's feet to cold over a prolonged period can lead to a serious condition called frostbite. Although extremely cold temperatures can cause frostbite, even cool temperatures coupled with wet socks can induce frostbite in a person's feet.

Symptoms of frostbite often include pain and a burning sensation in the exposed areas, numbness in the toes or feet, and changes in skin color from pale or red to bluish-gray or black. Children, the elderly, and people with diabetes are more prone to frostbite because of the size of their extremities or poor circulation.

Frostbite is a serious condition. Patients are encouraged to contact Vincent Ku, chiropodist in Scarborough, if they suspect they have frostbite, or any other condition. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment from Vincent Ku are essential to the health of a patient's toes.

Additionally, Vincent Ku offers advice for the prevention of injury this winter. He informs patients that it is important to maintain an adequate fitness level all year round. Being fit is one of the best ways to avoid many sports-related injuries in winter. Patients should also find a buddy who enjoys the same sport as them and should never participate alone.

A proper warm-up before activity is also highly recommended as cold muscles, tendons, and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. After an activity is complete, patients should also cool down thoroughly afterwards, as well.

Patients are encouraged to be on the lookout for some of the common problems associated with winter sports and activities - from ankle sprains to heel pain. With help from Vincent Ku, Scarborough chiropodist, patients can take charge of their feet and enjoy the winter weather.

About Morningside Foot & Ankle Clinic: Vincent Ku, DPodM of Morningside Foot & Ankle Clinic is a solo practitioner dedicated to providing comfort and balance for his patient's feet. Vincent Ku, DPodM completed his graduate studies in Podiatric Medicine at the Michener Institute and is an active member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. He has a passion for delivering quality podiatric medical care to informed patients that emphasizes patient education and palliative treatments.

Media Contact:
Vincent Ku, DPodM
[email protected]
1143 Morningside Avenue, Suite 6
Toronto, Canada M1B 0A7
http://www.morningsidefoot.com

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