Pain With Parkinson’s
It feels like my limbs hurt most of the time. Especially my feet. Is that because I have Parkinson’s? And if it is Parkinson’s, can anything be done about it?
I have been able to eliminate PD pain completely. As usual I find it is the things I Do that help instead of yet more ineffective meds with terrible side effects.
1. Vinegar
an amazing instant fix for cramps - drink some (or eat pickles or mustard) &/or put it on the sore spot
2. Posture
more PD pain is caused by bad posture that happens with PD but that we can deliberately fix
3. Conscious relaxation & gentle massage
Don't wait - do this the second you feel the slightest twinge of pain
4. Rest for just a moment instead of continuing to do something that hurts
5. Exercise
especially get specific exercises from a physical &/or occupational therapist for the exact places you hurt.
I have found that pain is just another lie that PD tries to make us believe. But like the other PD lies, it is totally possible to fight it And Win!
Like most of the symptoms of PD, exercise really helps. I found a lot of relief from limbs hurting by walking in a swimming pool, especially one with a current. I like to walk toward the current for 7-8 minutes then 7-8 minutes with the current pushing behind me to help me resist leaning forward. I find that exercising in mineral water completely stops my tremors for a couple of hours shortly afterwards. I especially enjoy the numerous mineral hot springs prevalent in the Rocky Mountain west. I am careful to place my feet heel first then roll through the foot to the toes. The slowness of the water resistance & the lack of weight on my legs due to the water's buoyancy really help me.
I have to say, yes, it is PD. I'm experiencing pain now in all my extremities, with muscle cramping (simply the worst, terrible). I'm 69 and was diagnosed in 2022. Mirapex has handled the physical symptoms well until recently. After the most horrific Superbowl Sunday evening in pain and semi-paralysis, my neurologist ordered Zanaflex for me. It is a POWERFUL muscle relaxer to be taken at bedtime. The first time I took it scared the hell out of my wife and me. I felt numb from the neck down and had labored breathing. Then I was out for about five hours.
The second time I slept like a brick and felt no pain to wake me up in the middle of the night. Now its good effects last into the next day. I still have to use lidocaine pain cream on my right side, but I can walk and do things I couldn't do before. I recommend asking your doctor about it. It comes in a 4mg pill you can spilt into a starter dose of 2mg if the physician instructs.
Everything about PD seems to come and go in waves. But I believe I've entered a new reality now. My body has become a traitor, not following what I want it to do. So I'm happy that there is medication to help.
Good luck to you in the future, and I hope your symptoms become more manageable.
Yes, I have many pains. Are they due to my age, arthritis, neuropathy, cancer, heart disease, or shall I point the finger at Parkinson's?
I'm unsure of the exact answer, but I suspect and equally blame all of the above. Pain is Pain.
I find that I need to get myself moving to help with the stiffness and the associated discomfort (I don't like to use the word "pain)....
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