What you're describing — the painful pulling or curling of your toes and fingers — does sound like it could be dystonia, which is a recognized symptom of Parkinson's disease. Dystonia refers to muscle tightness that causes unusual or involuntary positions of body parts, and it can definitely be painful.
It commonly affects Show Full Answer
What you're describing — the painful pulling or curling of your toes and fingers — does sound like it could be dystonia, which is a recognized symptom of Parkinson's disease. Dystonia refers to muscle tightness that causes unusual or involuntary positions of body parts, and it can definitely be painful.
It commonly affects the feet (especially the big toe curling upward or the foot turning inward) as well as the hands and fingers. Here are some things worth knowing about dystonia and Parkinson's:
- It can occur as a symptom of Parkinson's itself
- It can sometimes happen when medication levels are low (called "off" periods)
- It can appear in the morning before the first dose of medication kicks in
The pain you're feeling is real and valid — many MyParkinsonsTeam members describe similar experiences with painful muscle spasms and unusual body positions.
It's really important to bring this up with your neurologist or movement disorder specialist as soon as possible. They may be able to adjust your medication timing or dosage, or recommend physical therapy to help manage it.
6 days ago
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