Newsroom

In observance of National Foot Health Month, New York Methodist Hospital''s Foot and Ankle Center will host "Knock Your Socks Off Day" on Friday, April 13, 2007 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Medical Office Pavilion, 263 Seventh Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Streets. The free event will feature free foot screenings and information on how to keep your feet healthy. Healthcare professionals will also be on hand to answer your questions regarding foot related disorders and diseases.

NYM''s Foot and Ankle Center offers comprehensive podiatric care for the treatment of painful and often debilitating foot and ankle conditions. Conditions treated include foot and ankle injuries, dermatological conditions of the foot, flat feet, diabetic infections, bunion deformities, hammertoes, neuromas, fractures, arthritis and tendonitis.

Ronald Soave, D.P.M., chief of podiatry at New York Methodist, offers the following tips to keep feet healthy:

-Inspect your feet daily, checking for cuts, redness, blisters, swelling or nail problems. Use a magnifying mirror to examine the soles of your feet. If your eyesight is poor, enlist a friend or family member to do it for you. If you notice anything unusual, call your doctor.

-Clean your feet daily by washing them in lukewarm - not hot! - water. Use a soft washcloth or sponge and dry by blotting or patting, making sure to completely dry the skin between the toes.

-Cut nails straight across, carefully, and be sure to file the edges. Don''t cut too short, since this could lead to ingrown toenails.

-Wear clean, dry socks and avoid tight elastic bands because they might reduce circulation. Avoid thick or bulky socks because they can fit poorly and irritate the skin.

-Inspect the inside of your shoes before wearing. Diabetics may not feel a pebble - it''s best to shake out shoes before putting them on.

-Never walk barefoot, even at home because of the possibility of stepping on something and causing a scratch or cut.

For more information on Knock Your Socks Off Day, please call the Department of Public Affairs at 718-780-5367. For information about NYM''s Foot and Ankle Center, or to make an appointment, please call 718-780-5850.