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PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Parkinson’s disease is caused by a dysfunction in the basal ganglia part of the brain.  There is a lack of blood flow in the prefrontal cortex of the brain.  There is evidence that an over activity of stress hormones caused by a lack of REM sleep contributes to causing Parkinson’s.

The condition is characterized by muscle contractions, tremor and rigidity.  There is a shuffling gait, less arm swinging while walking and an unchanging facial expression referred to as “mask-like.”  Each person is affected differently and to different degrees and their ability to perform movements may vary from one day to the next. 

Parkinson’s primarily affects people over age 50.  The onset is gradual and it is not a fatal disease.

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Paralysis agitans
• Shaking palsy
• Secondary Parkinson’s
• Lower-body Parkinson’s

Symptoms:

• Shuffling gait
• Abnormal arm swinging while walking
• Lack of expression on face
• Tremor

Signs to look for:

• Diagnoses
• Foot drag
• Tentative balance
• Shuffling gait with little arm swing
• Expressionless face

Possible Causes:

• Lack of blood flow in the prefrontal cortex of the brain with varying theories of what causes the reduced blood flow

Goals:

• Address posture and balance issues
• Control motion of the feet
• Improve gait
• Make footwear for exercise comfortable

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoes with firm heel counter, full steel shanks and rocker soles

• For exercise, wear shoes with titanium springs

• Stop wearing wear pumps and high heels

• Go barefoot on a minimal basis only

Other: 

• Where the above shoes and arch supports do not provide enough stability, wedging and flares may be necessary

• It is common to find bracing used to create more stability

Activities:

• Medical treatment

• Regular exercise program that promotes increased strength and circulation in lower extremities

• Regular stretching program for entire body

• Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercising, such as walking (weight bearing) with swimming and bicycling (non-weight bearing)

This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care.  The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below.  Copyright 2005 Carole Romig

Sources  Image:  Text: A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics, Parkinsons.medical-information.org, ParkinsonsDiseaseCure.com