When Was the Last Time You Thought About Your Feet as Part of Your Balance?

If you have Parkinson’s disease, you probably hear a lot about posture, walking, strength, and fall prevention. But we don’t always talk about what’s happening all the way down at the ground with your feet.

Think about it: your feet are your connection to the ground. They provide important sensory information that helps your brain know where your body is in space.

If something changes in your feet, it may also change the way you stand, step, and react when you lose your balance.

There are several foot problems that people with Parkinson’s may experience:

Dystonia. You might notice your toes curling under, your big toe pulling upward, or even your foot turning inward. This can be uncomfortable or painful, and it can make it harder to get your foot flat on the floor.

Some people also experience cramping, stiffness, or pain in their feet.

And then there’s neuropathy. This can cause numbness, tingling, burning, or decreased sensation in the feet.

Neuropathy can have many different causes, so it’s important not to assume that Parkinson’s is causing it. But whatever the cause, decreased sensation matters for balance. Your brain relies on information coming from your feet and ankles to help you know where you are in space. If you can’t feel the ground as well, that’s one less piece of information your brain has available to help you maintain your balance.

So, what should you do?

First, pay attention to your feet. Look at them daily. Notice redness, swelling, blisters, pressure areas, changes in your toes, or anything else that looks different.

Pay attention to what you feel, too. New numbness, tingling, burning, cramping, or pain is worth mentioning to your doctor.

Track and document when symptoms happen. For example, if your toes tend to curl or your foot cramps when your Parkinson’s medication is wearing off, that’s useful information to share with your neurologist.

Your feet are your foundation. Take care of them, pay attention when something changes, and don’t ignore a foot problem that’s starting to affect the way you move. Better balance starts from the ground up!

If you’re concerned about your balance and want to prevent falls, check out our five-week Balance Builders Academy. It works by offering small challenges and daily practice that yield big results. Classes are held once a week, and you’ll also get recorded videos that you can do at home. For more information, email Kimberly.

In addition to Balance Builders Academy, we offer a variety of online courses to address specific Parkinson’s symptoms. If you’re ready to level up your workouts, try one of our courses below:

• Rebel Fit Club Posture School
• “From Cramping Feet to Happy Feet!” Course
• PD Exercises to Improve Hand Dexterity & Mobility

💜 Coach Kimberly