Balance is a complex interaction between many systems in the human body. While walking, we should be turning our head and using our eyes and ears to tell us where we are in space. This is called proprioception.

Are you noticing your balance getting worse? Maybe someone has told you that your balance is pretty good and you don’t really need to worry about it. The truth is, if you’re not working on your balance, it WILL get worse!

Often, people with Parkinson’s have a hard time picking up their toes and feet while walking. Instead, they shuffle along, which leads to falls. This is a neurological symptom, but the result of not picking up your toes is the weakening of the tibialis anterior muscle (located on your shin). If you don’t use it, you start to lose it.

Balance is a complex interaction between many systems in the human body. While walking, we should be turning our head and using our eyes and ears to tell us where we are in space. This is called proprioception. If you are afraid of falling, you may be looking at the ground to see if you are going to trip over something. This habit of looking down while walking puts you at greater risk of falling.

Parkinson’s affects balance, leading to postural instability, gait issues, and an increase in falls. Balance issues can severely impact your quality of life, and a bad fall can be devastating.