France Expands Diabetic Foot Care Coverage, Podiatrist Outlines 7 Steps to Prevent Amputation
Paris, France – A reinforced support system launched in 2023 now allows French diabetics at risk of foot complications to have 5 to 8 podiatry sessions reimbursed at 100% annually, if they exhibit neuropathy, arteriopathy, or a history of ulcerations. This comes as health officials emphasize proactive foot care as critical to preventing diabetes-related amputations.
Diabetes can severely impact foot health, adn early detection of issues is paramount. Individuals with diabetes should be vigilant for changes in sensation – including tingling, numbness, or nocturnal pain – as well as visual signs like wounds that don’t heal, skin discoloration, abnormally cold feet, corns, and excessive calluses.
Certain symptoms demand immediate medical attention. These include the presence of pus, swelling, spreading redness, a foul odor from a lesion, or fever, all indicating a perhaps serious infection.
Pierre Schlienger, chiropodist-podiatrist and founder of Allopodo, details seven essential actions for diabetics to protect their feet in his book, Take care of your feet (DBS editions).While the specific actions aren’t detailed in this report, the emphasis is on preventative care and swift intervention to avoid complications that can lead to amputation.
Health Insurance’s expanded coverage aims to facilitate regular podiatric monitoring and treatment,reinforcing the message that identifying warning signs and seeking prompt medical or podiatric advice is essential to prevent a minor issue from escalating into a severe,life-altering complication.
