Foot health and gait safety: An action plan for confident walking

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.

Understanding how Parkinson’s affects your feet — and what you can do about it — can help you stay more comfortable, confident, and mobile.

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.

A 2021 review of studies found that people with Parkinson’s typically walk more slowly, take shorter steps, and have a higher step count compared with those without the condition.

Common foot and gait issues

Foot and gait issues can lead to or worsen a variety of foot and walking problems in people with Parkinson’s disease, including:

postural instability, which occurs when you have trouble catching yourself after losing your balance
balance problems
freezing episodes
slower movement
repeated cramping episodes, often in the feet (dystonia)
foot pain or weakness
trouble turning or walking
loss of foot sensitivity
challenges with self-care, like nail trimming or washing between your toes.

Seeing a podiatrist

For people living with Parkinson’s, a podiatrist can play an important role in your care team. Podiatrists can often notice early signs of disease progression by examining your foot health and gait.

They can help manage symptoms like foot pain and balance issues. They’ll look at how your walking pattern has changed — such as reduced arm swing or slow, rigid movements — and suggest ways to reduce discomfort and fall risk.

They may also offer exercises, massage, or stretching routines to improve flexibility and strength, as well as footwear that works for you.

Importance of proper footwear

Supportive shoes are essential for gait safety. However, for people with Parkinson’s, finding comfortable, well-fitting footwear can be a challenge, especially with symptoms such as swelling or changes in foot shape.

In fact, in one study of people with Parkinson’s, about two-thirds of participants wore the wrong shoe size, in length and/or width.

Shoes that don’t fit properly can increase pain, worsen balance, and raise your fall risk. Here’s what to look for in Parkinson’s-friendly footwear:

a secure fit with wiggle room for your toes
sturdy back support
nonslip soles
short, wide heels
breathable materials
adjustability for swollen feet.

It’s a good idea to avoid shoes that slide off easily, such as flip-flops or slippers, and skip high heels. Orthotic insoles may also help improve gait and stability, especially textured ones that stimulate the soles of your feet. While results vary, some people notice fewer falls with insoles.

Strength and balance exercises for the feet

Exercise is one of the best things you can do to manage Parkinson’s symptoms. It improves mobility, posture, and helps boost endurance. Resistance training builds strength for tasks like standing or climbing stairs. And balance exercises, such as yoga, can help lower your fall risk.

Some gait-specific exercises include:

treadmill walking
slackline training
aquatic obstacle courses
walking to music or a metronome.

You can also do foot-targeted exercises at home. One exercise involves standing next to a table with feet shoulder-width apart and shifting your weight forward for 5 seconds, then returning to neutral. Avoid curling or lifting your toes. If you experience any discomfort or swelling, take a break and gently massage your feet.

Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine. Online videos and programs specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s are often a good place to start. Or your provider may refer you to a physical therapist. They can conduct an in-depth assessment and plan exercises tailored to your needs.

Gait safety strategies

Even with foot support and exercise, walking with Parkinson’s requires extra care. The following gait safety strategies can help reduce fall risk and improve confidence.

Step forward with your heel first.
Focus on taking bigger steps — not faster ones.
Keep your head up and look ahead, not down.
Stop and restart if you freeze or shuffle.
Don’t carry too many items at once.
If you need to turn, shift your weight and lead with your foot (not your body).

Walking aids for Parkinson’s gait

If walking becomes more difficult or unsafe, you may benefit from using a walking aid. These devices support balance, prevent falls, and keep you moving confidently.

Walking aids for Parkinson’s include:

canes, as they are easy to use, adjustable, and portable (some even have tripod or quad bases for added stability)
walking poles or “hiking sticks,” which can help improve posture when mobile
walkers or rollators, which are easier to turn than standard walkers without wheels and may reduce the risk of falls
wheelchairs, which are useful for travel or longer distances, though they may require assistance.

Some Parkinson’s walking aids have special features such as built-in lasers or sound cues to help with freezing. Laser canes can prompt forward movement, while auditory cues (like metronomes that play a rhythmic beat) may help increase stride length or walking speed. While research is mixed, many people find these tools helpful.

If you’re unsure which aid is right for you, a physical or occupational therapist can help you choose one that fits your needs.

Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.