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Do You Have Trouble Walking, Sometimes Taking Small Steps And Others Taking Bigger Steps And Freezing? How Do You Deal With That?

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭

I am having trouble with freezing up and walking awkardly...I have fallen twice lately, once I got a head gash and had to go to the ER...Both times I tripped over a rug going out of a business. It was one of those rugs with rubber on the bottom and carpet on the top...I even tripped in my home over the little strip of trim between my bedroom and bathroom...I am afraid of walking now...My husband passed away suddenly 8 months ago, and I am doing a lot worse with my movement than I did before he… read more

September 23, 2024
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

CindyPostBrown, sorry for your loss, I use a walker for any distance walking, and a cane in my apartment especially at night! Walking barefooted really helps me lol! Alas its not safe to go around barefoot all the time. Hate weaing shoes any way!! Good luck with PT! Looking forwards to starting mine!!!!!

September 27, 2024
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Thank you! I just started a new therapy near my house yesterday...

September 25, 2024
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Sorry about your Husband please get physical therapy I do rocksteady boxing for mine it will help don't give up

September 23, 2024
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. Here are some tips to help manage freezing and improve your walking, based on my knowledge base:

1. Talk to Your Doctor:
- Discuss your falls and freezing episodes with your doctor. They can assess your medications and refer you to a physical therapist.

2. Practice Show Full Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. Here are some tips to help manage freezing and improve your walking, based on my knowledge base:

1. Talk to Your Doctor:
- Discuss your falls and freezing episodes with your doctor. They can assess your medications and refer you to a physical therapist.

2. Practice Balance-Improving Techniques:
- Sit-to-Stand Exercise: Practice sitting down and standing up with a sturdy support in front of you.
- Balance Exercise: Step side to side next to a table with support available.

3. Use Walking Aids:
- Consider using a cane or walker to help maintain balance and prevent falls.

4. Home Adaptations:
- Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs.
- Add grab bars in the bathroom.
- Ensure bright lighting throughout the house.
- Add bright tape to the edge of steps.
- Clear clutter from walking paths.

5. Movement Tips:
- Swing both arms while walking to maintain balance.
- Walk to a regular beat, like music or a metronome, to prevent freezing.
- Consciously lift your feet and imagine stepping over a laser while walking.
- Use a “U” technique when making turns to avoid sharp pivots.
- Focus on one task at a time and move slowly when changing positions.

6. Physical Therapy:
- Working with a physical therapist can help improve your balance and gait. They can provide exercises tailored to your needs.

Starting with a new physical therapy group is a positive step. They can help you regain confidence and improve your movement. Stay safe and take care.

September 23, 2024

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