Dr. Anthony Yung
Posted by David Ip
on Apr 11, 2012
Originally from Vancouver, Dr. Yung has been traveling to many places for school and his professional practice. After graduating from St. Georges in Vancouver, Dr. Yung went to study at McGill University in Montreal, followed by Chicago and then went on to practice in San Antonio and Washington. He came back to Vancouver in 2010 practicing in Kitsilano with satellite offices in other places including Richmond. Dr. Yung specializes in disorders and surgery of foot and diabetic foot complications.
There are two types of diabetes:-
1) Type I: Juvenile onset
2) Type II: Adult onset
There has been a trend to see type II on younger patients with the unhealthy diet we have nowadays.
It used to be the case that it would take 7 to 10 years before a patient is diagnosed because people were not paying attention to the signs and symptoms of diabetes but this condition has been improving as people are more aware and cautious.
Complications of diabetes include heart attack, stroke, blindness and amputations. 15% of all diabetes patients will have a wound on feet and 20% of those with wounds will get ulcerations which will lead to amputation and 50% of those with amputation will lose one limb. The 5-year mortality rate of people with lower limb amputation is higher than all but 3 types of cancer only.
Common foot problems associated with diabetes include nail fungus, bunions, blisters, change of temperature, dry skin, hammertoes, corn and calluses. The interesting fact is the corn and calluses are referring to the same thing, only difference is corns are on the top part of the feet where calluses are at the bottom part of the feet.
High foot pressure → Calluses → Ulcerations → Failure to heal → Infection → Amputation
Linking the risk factors: Structure of foot → Function of foot → Footwear → Lifestyle or activity level
The first three factors cannot be changed but the last two can. People need to pay attention to the footwear they have and their lifestyle or activity level.
One unknown fact Dr. Yung shared with members is that people’s feet will grow on average one size bigger every 10 years.
When people choose footwear they need to make sure it fits their feet and best is to consult a podiatrist to find out what type of shoes is best for them.
Dr. Yung shared a list of dos and don’ts for taking care of the feet:-
Do
- Wash feet daily, inspect feet and toes, especially in between the toes
- Wear thick soft socks, cut toenails straight across (to make sure don’t cut part of the toes)
- Be measure and fitted each time you buy a new pair of shoes
- Lose weight
- Exercise
Don’t
- Never go barefoot
- Avoid high heels, sandals, and shoes with pointed toes
- Don’t smoke and drink only in moderation
- Avoid soaking your feet (especially in hot water as it will dry the feet)
- Don’t use over-the-counter calluses, corns and warts medications as they contain salycic acid which will cause chemical burns
The most important thing is to keep blood sugars well controlled to prevent diabetes
1) Type I: Juvenile onset
2) Type II: Adult onset
There has been a trend to see type II on younger patients with the unhealthy diet we have nowadays.
It used to be the case that it would take 7 to 10 years before a patient is diagnosed because people were not paying attention to the signs and symptoms of diabetes but this condition has been improving as people are more aware and cautious.
Complications of diabetes include heart attack, stroke, blindness and amputations. 15% of all diabetes patients will have a wound on feet and 20% of those with wounds will get ulcerations which will lead to amputation and 50% of those with amputation will lose one limb. The 5-year mortality rate of people with lower limb amputation is higher than all but 3 types of cancer only.
Common foot problems associated with diabetes include nail fungus, bunions, blisters, change of temperature, dry skin, hammertoes, corn and calluses. The interesting fact is the corn and calluses are referring to the same thing, only difference is corns are on the top part of the feet where calluses are at the bottom part of the feet.
High foot pressure → Calluses → Ulcerations → Failure to heal → Infection → Amputation
Linking the risk factors: Structure of foot → Function of foot → Footwear → Lifestyle or activity level
The first three factors cannot be changed but the last two can. People need to pay attention to the footwear they have and their lifestyle or activity level.
One unknown fact Dr. Yung shared with members is that people’s feet will grow on average one size bigger every 10 years.
When people choose footwear they need to make sure it fits their feet and best is to consult a podiatrist to find out what type of shoes is best for them.
Dr. Yung shared a list of dos and don’ts for taking care of the feet:-
Do
- Wash feet daily, inspect feet and toes, especially in between the toes
- Wear thick soft socks, cut toenails straight across (to make sure don’t cut part of the toes)
- Be measure and fitted each time you buy a new pair of shoes
- Lose weight
- Exercise
Don’t
- Never go barefoot
- Avoid high heels, sandals, and shoes with pointed toes
- Don’t smoke and drink only in moderation
- Avoid soaking your feet (especially in hot water as it will dry the feet)
- Don’t use over-the-counter calluses, corns and warts medications as they contain salycic acid which will cause chemical burns
The most important thing is to keep blood sugars well controlled to prevent diabetes