Supporting the Recognition of National Foot Health Month

Floor Speech

Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Foot Health Awareness Month and the critical role that podiatric physicians play in our national health care system. Combined, two feet contain one quarter of all the bones in the human body, and an average day of walking puts the equivalent of several hundred tons of pressure on the feet. Given this degree of stress, it is perhaps no surprise that over half of all Americans experience foot pain at some point in their lives.

Podiatrists are at the forefront of expert foot health care. Podiatrists are physicians who specialize in foot and ankle care and who have been trained to diagnose and treat foot and ankle ailments. Their scope of practice includes performing foot and ankle surgery.

Throughout April, podiatrists will be engaged in a national awareness campaign titled ``Podiatrists Keep America Walking,'' timed to coincide with National Foot Health Awareness Month. This year's ``Podiatrists Keep America Waking'' campaign will focus on children's foot health. Consistent with this theme, podiatrists will educate expectant mothers about foot ailments experienced by pregnant women, and parents about steps they can take to protect their children from foot abnormalities.

Foot pain is no mere inconvenience, and it should not be treated lightly or ignored. In many cases, persistent foot pain or recurring injuries can be the first sign of a serious condition, such as diabetes, anemia, arthritis, and certain circulatory disorders. Paying close attention to foot health, and taking regular advantage of the care provided by a podiatrist, can often aid in the early diagnosis of these and other conditions.

Americans living with diabetes must be particularly mindful of foot health. Diabetes is a chronic and potentially life-threatening illness impacting approximately 21 million Americans. Foot care is especially important for those living with diabetes because the risk is great for developing a foot ulcer that could become infected, and might ultimately result in amputation.

In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputation, and experts estimate that 86,000 lower limbs are amputated every year as a consequence of diabetes-related complications. Among those living with diabetes, Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and older men are most vulnerable to foot ailments. However, regular and expert foot care can significantly reduce the likelihood of amputation by helping to ensure early diagnosis and successful treatment.

The growing epidemics of diabetes and obesity and their concurrent complications are among many reasons why podiatric physicians are an important part of America's health care team. Madam Speaker, I applaud doctors of podiatric medicine for their vital contributions to the health of all Americans, and urge all Americans to be vigilant not only during National Foot Health Awareness Month, but throughout the year.

Source