Why did foot washing become a common practice in Christianity?

I am aware that some, but certainly not all, Protestant denominations employ the practice of foot washing in their services. I understand that this is based on John 13, where Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. However, how and why did this practice become adopted as a literal practice rather than a general principle? What is the origin of this practice in churches? Does it predate the Reformation or was it practiced before that in either the Orthodox and/or Catholic church? What denominations employ this practice today?