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September 8
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Answer Summary

Members responded to a question about frozen feet in Parkinson's with many sharing that they experience the same issue, especially in the... Read more

Members responded to a question about frozen feet in Parkinson's with many sharing that they experience the same issue, especially in the mornings and in small spaces like doorways. Several members described their medication routines, including Rytary, amantadine, Carbidopa-Levodopa, Tizanidine, and DBS surgery, noting that timing doses carefully and switching formulations can help. A recurring theme was using intentional movement strategies, like marching with exaggerated arm swings and consciously taking bigger steps, to manage freezing and reduce fall risk.

MyParkinsonsTeam

Freezing of gait — that "feet glued to the floor" feeling — is a really common and frustrating symptom, and many MyParkinsonsTeam members deal with it constantly. It can be linked to "off" periods, which happen when carbidopa/levodopa wears off between doses.

The good news is there are several medication options doctors Show Full Answer

Freezing of gait — that "feet glued to the floor" feeling — is a really common and frustrating symptom, and many MyParkinsonsTeam members deal with it constantly. It can be linked to "off" periods, which happen when carbidopa/levodopa wears off between doses.

The good news is there are several medication options doctors use alongside carbidopa/levodopa to help manage this. Here are some commonly discussed ones:

- Amantadine (Gocovri) — helps control involuntary movements and can assist with "off" time
- COMT inhibitors like entacapone (Comtan) or opicapone (Ongentys) — extend the effectiveness of each levodopa dose
- Istradefylline (Nourianz) — specifically helps reduce "off" time without worsening other symptoms
- Extended-release levodopa (Crexont, Rytary) — provides a steadier release to reduce wearing-off periods
- Inhaled levodopa (Inbrija) — a quick-relief option during sudden "off" episodes Talking to your neurologist — ideally a movement disorder specialist — about whether your freezing is tied to "off" periods could really open up options. Timing of doses and even dietary adjustments (like taking medication on an empty stomach) can also make a difference.

It's worth tracking when the freezing is worst to share with your doctor — that information can be really helpful in fine-tuning your treatment plan.

September 8
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Luckily, I have not had that issue. However my personal trainer has taught me to march while swinging my arms in an exaggerated way. It enables me to move more naturally during normal walking. I do have to walk with intention, swinging my arms and picking up my feet. Nothing seems to be automatic, it all has to be done with intention. I use this exercise at home when necessary, if my feet tried to shuffle.

September 10
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Diane ,
I think that most of us that have had Parkinson for a while experience freezing especially in the morning . I take a timed
released carbidopa 50 / levodopa 200 MG at 8:00 PM and start taking at 5:00 AM , 3 pills every three hours until 8:00 PM " carbidopa 25 / levodopa 100 MG . And I Noticed that for me my morning medications seem to wear off sooner than they should until about my third dose . I'm not talking about hours , but like 15 - 25 minutes before the next dose , I don't tell my neurologist because I don't want too increase my medications until it is absolutely necessary . I kind of feel that 480 pills a month is more than enough . I hope that this is useful information for you . And as I always say keep praying 🙏 and never stop believing that God hears your prayers and just keep fighting ... 🤍

6 days ago
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I have experiences of frozen feet too. I wouldn’t be able to track it for a dr. It happens irregularly. But it causes me to lose my balance and I have fallen a lot due to it. Most of the time now I am close enough to something that I can grab on to it before I actually fall. But I lose my balance all the time. I am on Rytary . Tizanidine for the muscle cramps, I think that the Tizanidine is contributing to the imbalances. But what can I do? It’s a trade off I suppose

September 8
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

You have to constantly tell yourself -Just walk & take bigger steps That works for me

5 days ago

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