Wearing appropriate footwear advantageous for managing Parkinson's symptoms
Individuals with Parkinson's disease may encounter various motor-related difficulties, such as loss of coordination and control, walking disabilities, and postural instability. A comprehensive approach to footwear can significantly improve posture, balance, and gait while reducing the risk of falls.
Research supports the use of textured insoles, which can improve posture and reduce sideways swaying in Parkinson's patients, potentially preventing falls [1]. Another study revealed that textured insoles might positively impact gait parameters, balance, and plantar sensation in Parkinson's disease patients when combined with other footwear modifications [2].
Smart insoles equipped with multiple pressure sensors can track movement and transmit data to a smartphone for analysis, potentially offering early warnings for related conditions [3]. An adaptive design can be beneficial, such as elastic laces or slip-on shoes, large pull tabs, and adjustable laces that easily accommodate swelling or changes in foot size [4, 5]. Lightweight shoes with large entry portals can support leg lifting and make it simpler to slip into shoes for individuals with mobility issues [5].
The shoe company Kizik has partnered with the Parkinson's Foundation to make hands-free shoes more widely available, allowing people to slip their feet into shoes without bending over, thus reducing the risk of losing balance [6]. For those experiencing freezing episodes, laser shoes that project lines on the floor can offer visual cues and potentially reduce incidents of freezing in place [7].
It is essential to be aware that foot deformities are more common among Parkinson's patients, who may wear inadequate footwear, impacting their quality of life [8]. To provide comprehensive care, adding a podiatrist to the healthcare team is suggested.
Sources:1. Parkinson's News Today2. Journal of Personalized Medicine3. International Journal of Medical Sciences4. CMCOnlineFashion.com5. www.lifecontroller.com6. Kizik7. EurekAlert!8. International Journal of Medical Sciences
By considering the aforementioned factors, individuals with Parkinson's disease can benefit from improved balance, gait, and posture, while reducing the risk of falls and enhancing their overall quality of life. Adaptive and smart shoe technologies play a critical role in addressing the unique needs of Parkinson's patients.
Adaptive shoe technologies such as textured insoles, smart insoles, non-bending hands-free shoes, and shoes with large entry portals can help improve balance, gait, and posture in individuals with Parkinson's disease, potentially reducing the risk of falls and enhancing their overall quality of life. It is also vital to address foot deformities and consider a podiatrist as part of the healthcare team for these patients, given their tendency to wear inadequate footwear.
