Weakness in the legs: Dear all, My... - Cure Parkinson's

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Weakness in the legs

Margot59 profile image
11 Replies

Dear all,

My neurologist once said that Parkinson's disease is such that it requires 24-hour treatment. When it is ON, when it is OFF, etc. The weakness in my legs and the first step bother me the most. It helps me to make the first step longer, to encourage a proper gait. It helps me to step in place as well as kick my feet out on purpose. Sometimes I use a gif from Monty Python's Ministry of Stupid Walks (youtube). My neurologist says it's levodopa FOG. Any help for that? I found on the web that vibrating socks are used for this purpose and that scientists do not have an explanation why leg weakness occurs because the EMNG findings are ok. How do you deal with weakness in your legs, are there any help or tricks that can save you? Margot.

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Margot59
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11 Replies
eschneid profile image
eschneid

Hi Margot,

My legs, when off, do not feel like they can support me. When on, even though I still play sports actively, they don't feel "free & clear" or strong.

Who ordered/performed the ENMG, is that something an orthopedic doctor might do?

My legs tremor differently than my arms/hands. It is a faster and smaller, less out of control tremor than hands. It is more constant and so uncomfortable that at times I cannot sit or lie down.

I don't have freezing or need a kickstart, just wondering if vibrating sox or sneakers ($ rip off so far) would help a few people I know.

No tricks yet to suggest, but let's stay in touch.

Your neuro said it correctly, it's a 24 hour job. . I feel like two different people these days. When On, I am my old self and will say yes to everything. When Off, I really have to push myself as confidence is low & worry high.

Eric

Margot59 profile image
Margot59 in reply toeschneid

Thank you for your reply. EMNG was ordered by my neurologist. And it's okay. Weakness is present before the activation of levodopa, and with levodopa to a lesser extent, except when it is the OFF phase. Also, when I'm standing in line and need to approach the counter (I have to laugh at myself), I use my gangnam style legs from SPY, a South Korean rapper. It's bizarre that when I do exercises with levedopa I don't have muscle inflammation like normal people.

Margot

park_bear profile image
park_bear

The reason there is leg weakness while at the same time the EMNG findings are ok is that the weakness arises from a lack of proper signaling in the brain due to the shortage of dopamine.

There is no easy answer, but the answers lie in a combination of being adequately medicated, disease modifying treatments, regular exercise, and exercising willpower.

eschneid profile image
eschneid in reply topark_bear

PB,

Agree that it is bad/lack of signaling and part of the reason I'm looking at Switzerland for FUS when it's up & running, or it somehow gets approved quickly in the US. Hopefully, it would take care of the leg issues, toe dystonia, etc.

I find these days, mind over matter is a daily mantra, especially when playing pickleball/basketball-or trying to get the groceries in the bag at checkout!

Parkie1 profile image
Parkie1

I find it difficult to stand when off because of leg weakness and have to use my Nordic walking poles when outdoors. The only thing that relieves it is my next dose of Madopar, but getting as much exercise as possible, ie walking, swimming, horse riding, cycling, keeps my leg muscles as strong and supple as possible. Doing something I really enjoy takes the edge off the discomfort.

eschneid profile image
eschneid in reply toParkie1

Same way here, when my next dose c/l + mucuna takes effect, I am good for the next "window" of activity.

Gallowglass profile image
Gallowglass

Hi! I have that same issue. My best defense has been physical therapy to improve posture and gait, and reduce sciatica. Plus a early morning routine of doing PD stretches for 30 minutes , ride exercise bike 30 Minutes and walk mile every morning. During early morning natural dopamine is highest. I don’t take C/L until after. Like everything else in PD you have to fight it.

Margot59 profile image
Margot59 in reply toGallowglass

Thanks for the suggestion. That's how I understood it myself. Thank you.

eschneid profile image
eschneid in reply toGallowglass

Great morning routine. You probably feel like you can conquer anything by lunchtime. Do you need a nap after all the exercise?

Gallowglass profile image
Gallowglass in reply toeschneid

I take my nap at 2 pm

eschneid profile image
eschneid in reply toGallowglass

Xlnt nap time selection......all knowing pd person

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