2 out of 3 French people suffer from their feet. On the occasion of the prevention day, chiropodists give free consultations. Diabetics and children are the first to be affected.
2 out of 3 French people suffer from their feet and 35% of them have ailments and pathologies which imperatively require the consultation of a podiatrist. This is the report drawn up by the French Union for Foot Health (Ufsp) on May 23, on the occasion of the 11th edition of the National Prevention Day ” Advice and diagnosis free by a podiatrist (1) ”.
In fact, every day we walk between 5,000 and 6,000 steps and 2.5 times around the earth in our life. The resulting foot aches are multiple and can have consequences on the entire lower limb but also the spine. However, some populations are more at risk than others. This is particularly the case with diabetics.
Diabetes causes damage to the arteries and nerves which weakens the feet. It can result in vascular and neurological consequences in the feet, of which perforating disease is the best known form. But, these sores are not caused by diabetes, they have a triggering cause.
The problem of the diabetic lies mainly in the fact that his sensory loss can prevent or delay the awareness of the ailments from which he suffers. “This is why he must adopt a clear preventive attitude, to avoid or observe even the smallest traumas, such as those caused by shoes. In this case, he must consult his podiatrist as soon as possible, ”specifies the Ufsp. A call for consultation not always heard since in 2013, another 8,000 amputations were performed on diabetics.
In addition, athletes must also have special monitoring. Running, basketball, football, rugby… the practice of these sports puts a strain on the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to acute or recurring pain, tendinopathies and injuries that occur periodically. If this is naturally the case for a licensed amateur athlete and a competitor, it is also true for the Sunday jogger or the one who seeks to preserve his physical condition by doing a little sport. “The podiatrist must therefore be a valuable ally for the athlete”, underlines the Union.
Finally, children are also fragile populations. Chiropodists believe that in the very young, the risk of deformation due to wearing unsuitable shoes must be taken into account very quickly. During the period of 9 to 18 months, it is essential to allow the child’s feet the greatest freedom of movement. This is also the reason why it is advisable to make it walk barefoot as often as possible. And for children from 12 to 36 months, the shoes should support the foot with a sufficiently high upper.
(1) This prevention day is open to everyone. A podiatrist is present on the 120 sites public and 150 school and business sites for free advice and diagnostics.
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