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Those who are ambitious and
brave enough to venture outdoors for sports exercise should remember
the following advice:
- Keep
feet warm and dry, especially in extreme cold or dampness.
If feet become wet, shoes and socks should be changed immediately
to avoid hypothermia
- Socks
should always fit comfortably. Friction resulting from small
socks can cause blisters or corns to develop.
- Careful
foot hygiene is a must during the snowy months ahead. Regular
bathing of feet and using powder are ideal to provide comfort
and combat fungus infections.
- Runners
and walkers should stretch muscles carefully before and after
exercise. To maintain stability, shorten your stride on slippery
areas and maintain the proper "heel to toe" movement.
- Ice
skates used for hockey, figure skating or racing, should be
fitted carefully to prevent injuries to the ankle and feet.
Skates that are too large leave the feet "floating"
which increases the risk of injury.
- Skiers
should choose boots that fit snugly, but are not uncomfortable.
Persons with foot problems who roll a ski to the inside or
outside edge can be fitted for slender plastic wedges. These
devices, which balance foot pressure on the ski, are available
through a podiatrist.
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