Last updated Aug. 1, 2025, by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Fact-checked by Patrícia Silva, PhD
If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s disease, you already know it can affect movement. But you might be surprised by how much it can impact your feet.
How Parkinson’s affects the feet
Parkinson’s symptoms (such as stiffness, tremors, and posture changes) can shift your weight forward, putting extra pressure on your feet and making it harder to stay balanced.
These issues are closely linked to changes in gait or the way you walk. Over time, these gait changes can lead to painful foot problems, a higher risk of falls, and even a fear of walking.
You may also notice cramping or spasms that come and go, known as dystonia, which often causes clenched or curling toes and painful spasms in the feet. It’s common in Parkinson’s, especially in the morning when medications wear off.
Nail issues and ankle discomfort are also common. In a 2022 study comparing adults with and without Parkinson’s, those with Parkinson’s reported more challenges with tasks like toenail trimming and walking.
They also perceived a worse health state of their feet compared with people without Parkinson’s, with some reporting that their foot problems negatively affected their quality of life.
The good news is that with the right foot care and support, many of these problems can be effectively managed, helping you stay active and safe.
What is Parkinson’s gait?
One of the most recognizable signs of Parkinson’s disease is a change in how you walk. This is often referred to as Parkinson’s gait, and it can affect your stability, step pattern, and overall mobility.
Common features of Parkinson’s gait include:
- short, shuffling steps
- reduced arm swing
- forward-leaning posture
- trouble turning
- freezing episodes (suddenly being unable to move).
These changes often develop later in the disease and are tied to slower, smaller, and more rigid movements. You may notice your legs feel stiff or heavy, and lifting your feet can be difficult. Walking flat-footed instead of heel-first is also common and can affect balance.
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