October 8th is International Podiatry Day. On this day, podiatrists around the world seek to advance the field of podiatry to better serve those with foot and ankle ailments. They do this through education, advocacy, and strategic alliances.
In case you’re wondering, podiatry deals with the feet. Why is there a branch of medicine having to do with feet? It’s because foot problems are prevalent. Some of the most common issues people have with their feet include:
- Athlete’s foot
- Bunions
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Ingrown toenails
- Plantar fasciitis
- Blisters
- Corns
- Heel spurs
More severe problems include foot pain, discoloration, swelling, and itching. Also, cold feet isn’t just something that happens when you lose confidence. Cold feet may be a sign of insufficient blood flow.
Your feet are important. They allow you to walk 150,000 miles in your lifetime. This is equivalent to walking around the world six times! Since foot problems can be debilitating, it’s essential to take care of your feet. Getting pedicures, forgoing high heels, and wearing proper foot protection while working are all good ways to care for your feet.
History of International Podiatry Day
The International Federation of Podiatrists is behind International Podiatry Day. The federation has existed since 1947 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing podiatry worldwide. It has 26 member countries sharing research, practice and knowledge between them.
International Podiatry Day replaced another event that used to be held earlier in the year. The event is now a modern celebration that uses social media campaigns to raise awareness. The aim of the International Federation of Podiatrists is to make it the biggest event with a focus on worldwide foot health.
Key leaders in podiatry support this event every year and talk about why podiatry and foot health are important to them. More up-to-date ways of recognizing the event have included informative videos and social media hashtags. You can start to see people celebrating months before the day arrives.
