Why Podiatry?

Event Manager Kate Grzeca writes about the importance of foot care:

As an avid hiker, one of the things I always keep in mind is the importance of foot care. When you’re on your feet a lot, things can go wrong very quickly, and the smallest problem can bring down the toughest people.  Incorrectly fitting shoes and wet or hole-ridden socks are the usual suspects, but there is a lot that can affect the health of your feet.

I often think of this in relation to the podiatry services PHC helps provide, imagining what it would be like if I had to keep walking despite the pain, how I might feel if I didn’t have access to a shower, clean socks, or my favorite pair of slippers. Unfortunately, these are daily challenges for people without a home.

At every PCH Event, many of the participants who come to the Podiatry area have been without care for a long time, their condition often worse than it needs to be.  Common problems include fungus, blisters (which can become infected), calluses, and general foot pain. A man at one of our recent events, for example, told us how difficult it had been to walk because of a fungal issue that had been affecting his toenails.

One of the simplest fixes PHC can offer (outside of professional foot care), is to ensure all our participants have access to clean, high-quality socks and shoes.  While the participants we see on a daily basis have a myriad of needs, the number of people who simply want a clean, dry pair of socks is extraordinary. Without this resource, the likelihood of foot care issues increase.

While we have been lucky enough to receive significant donations from Salvation Army and our amazing PHC volunteers, we are always in need of more.  A donation as little as $1.50 will purchase a new pair of sturdy socks, but the impact it can have on someone’s health is astronomical.

Another way to help is to donate your time at our events. If you or someone you know is a podiatrist, please contact us. We are always in need additional podiatrists to treat those who need care and would love to be able to serve even more participants and ultimately prevent conditions before they begin.