Toe dystonia impairs my walking, any tips to over come this?

[BJB61]

Hi toe dystonia was my initial PD symptom. I don't really have any other problems at present. I would like to try fast walking as outlined by John Pepper but fear tge cramping will get in th way. Thanks

[M_rosew]

I've found it helpful to go barefoot whenever I'm indoors, and to practise toe-spreading.

[BJB61 in reply to M_rosew]

Thanks for your response. Do you use a toe spreader or just spread your toes repeatedly?

[M_rosew in reply to BJB61]

Just try (and remember) to spread my toes as I step down onto the foot. I also put a cotton-wool pad between two toes that are particularly stubborn.

[BJB61]

I shall practise and thank you

[park_bear]

This was also my first symptom. I go out hiking daily. When it starts to bother me I stop, crouch and extended the affected leg back, then forcibly extend the cramping toes. Helps a bit at any rate.

[BJB61]

Park-bear thank you. I shall give that a go. I hope you are doing well.

[rebtar]

I find that walking in rhythm to music with a strong 110-120 beats per minute (disco-like) helps reduce the toe curling. It's come on gradually for me over time, the tremor started first. I also do high RPM cycling at the gym and mostly just cycle through it. I've found that sometimes although not always, if I cycle one day then I can walk with less cramping the next. I also hike and find that I don't get cramping while going up or down hill, just on the flats. Instead of fast walking, I try to go as fast as I can when hiking. I take my ipod with me and put the music on for the flats. If it bothers during a hike, and also if it's too much when cycling, I also stop and stretch my foot until it relaxes. You can use this website to put together a playlist by BPM:

walk.jog.fm/workout-songs/a...

[BJB61 in reply to rebtar]

Mamy thanks... keep hiking!

[jujulini]

i only get dystonia of toes first thing in the morning, due to low dopamine levels and inactivity. it goes away as soon as the sinemet kicks in. until it does, i find that walking up and down stairs helps.

[Lionore]

I use Yoga Toes on the affected foot while I am relaxing. I also find that walking helps even though it's initially difficult. Also try pushing your toes away from your foot and and standing on tiptoe.

[Smokeypurple]

I seem to remember this blogger talking about this issue - she's a keen walker. From memory Birkenstocks really helped due to the molded footbed:

bloggingwithparkinsons.word...

I find Fitflops (boots/shoes/sneakers) help me walk properly as the rolling motion encourages my toes to spread out.

[Cbgs]

I added Amantadine to help lessen dystonia

[jujulini in reply to Cbgs]

does amantadine help with dystonia? and does it help dyskinesias?

[Cbgs in reply to jujulini]

Yesssss!

[etterus]

My foot dystonia has been improve the most through DBS. However over time it is starting to return. I find that kneeling with my toes pushed into the carpet fully extended for 5-10 minutes is helpful . I also find a magnesium supplement called Calm has helped. This is also used to control anxiety , a co-manifestation of the dystonia.

[Leonore1]

In 2014, After 14 yrs of PD, I needed to begin Botox every three months after the toe curling caused me to tear and sprain ligaments in all of my toes. I'd spent six days walking in sand on my honeymoon and didn't notice pain until walking in sandals at the airport v This is not unusual as a PD toe-curling solution and was the only one. I tried all of the toe spreading tools and nothing worked. You have to really shop for a doctor with a special machine which allows precision and who's experienced at doing toes. It hurts like hell for about five minutes but is worth it. Singing loud while someone who loves you holds your hand halves the pain.

[rhenry45]

It is easy to fix. You have a neuroma which is causing the toe dystonia. Just go to a podiatrist and he can fix it by killing the nerve with an alcohol injection. Once you do a few treatments the dystonia will go way permanently.