In Parkinson's an individual's movement slows down
Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the nervous system that affects the movement of an individual. In this disorder the dopamine producing neurons of the brain are affected. When dopamine levels decrease in the brain, abnormal brain activity, leading to impaired movement is seen in an individual and this is one of the major symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease seen in feet
While walking regularly, a person's heel touches the ground first and then the toes which thus maintains the gait, balance, posture and mobility.
But in Parkinson's an individual's movement gets slow. The stride length is reduced which subsequently affects the ankle; due to this the person adopts a flat foot type of walk. This irregular walking style affects the foot when it strikes the ground to take a step as a result of which the individual experiences pain in foot, leg and knee.
Muscle twitching, spasms and cramps are an indicator of the onset of Parkinson's disease.
Curled and clenched toes is also another symptom of the disorder.
Due to limited movement, the affected individual can also notice swelling in the ankle and feet which is called oedema.
Experts also throw light on foot problems seen in individuals even after Parkinson's medication is administered to them.
Due to the medication, ankle swelling can happen as a side effect. Due to this the legs may seem heavy and these people would have difficulty in wearing shoes.
Other symptoms of Parkinson's disease
The various symptoms of Parkinson's disease are tremor in a limb, slow movement even while doing simple tasks, rigid muscles, uncoordinated balance and posture, loss of automatic movements, change in speech and writing.
One of the major symptoms of Parkinson's disease is loss of movement. Even while doing simple and daily chores one is unable to walk and move hands. Gradually this worsens to reduced unconscious movements like blinking, smiling or swinging arms.
What are the risk factors of Parkinson’s disease?
The various risk factors associated with Parkinson's disease are age, genetics, gender, and heredity.
Parkinson's disease is usually seen in people in the middle or late age. Usually people develop this condition after the age of 60 years. As per health experts, men are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than women. Heredity also plays an important factor in increasing the risk of developing this condition.
Another major risk factor which researchers have pointed out is the exposure to toxins. Exposure to pesticides and herbicides, which are commonly used these days, can make you more prone towards the disease.