UPMC Altoona Foundation to host annual 'happy feet' event providing free foot & ankle exams, boots &

Blair Co., PA (WJAC) — UPMC Altoona Elite Orthopedics in Hollidaysburg will be hosting its annual "happy feet" event this Friday.

The practice partners with the UPMC Altoona Foundation, Family Services and Shoefly to raise money to purchase winter boots and socks for those in need.

Each person will have a free foot and ankle exam and be fitted for new boots and socks.

Anyone over 10 years old who is in need is eligible.

The boot distribution is while supplies last.

The exams will be basic physical exams, such as looking for structural issues, range of motion issues, proper circulations and more.

Healthcare professionals warn that problems with the legs and feet "can lead to other serious aliments" throughout the body.

“We’re trying to bridge the gap in people having ill-fitting shoes; causing foot problems, and lower extremity problems, and to try and make a difference in our community; to try to stop a problem from starting before we have to intervene," says Greg Meloy M.D. - Orthopedic Surgeon, UPMC Altoona Elite Orthopedics.

“The alignment starts from the foot up. And so, if you have a misalignment of your heel or your foot, it can lead to structural problems with your knee; your hip; your low back. Oftentimes, when we treat problems of the foot, it’s people presenting with low back pain; hip pain; knee discomfort.” --- Dr. Jolene Moyer, DPM

The event will be held from 9 a.m. until noon at the Family Services Inc. shelter on Branch Ave.

If you would like to support the UPMC Foundation, you can visit their website or call 814-889-2630.

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