This is my first post , so I am not quite sure if this works...
I am a pensioner and have been diagnosed with PD some months ago, and I am on 3 * 62.5mg sinmet spaced out in the day, and 1 * 125mg sinemet plus at bedtime.
I have not had any contact with other people with PD, but am due to meet some shortly. But I would like to ask a very simple question about PD; perhaps it can be simply answered.
I do have stiffness in the legs first thing in the morning, particularly in calf muscles, and so feel unsteady. This tends to wear off midday.
Do others have any tips which may help reduce the stiffness?
Hi Barney12,
Yes, leg stiffness is a common symptom in the mornings. I tend to do a few stretches before even getting out of bed. And then when I've walked about a bit. I'm sure you'll be scheduled a physio appointment and hopefully meet up with a Parkinsons nurse. The nurses are invaluable as you normally can call them in between consultants appmts.
Hope this helps. Others on forum may have better suggestions.
Hi Barney12,
I struggle getting out of bed until I'm on my feet for a while then the stiffness improves. Getting in and out of my car is the same. As DivineR says, a discussion with your PD Nurse once you have one assigned will I'm sure prove helpful.
Joanie
Hi, apparently you should really exercise a little everyday. There should be some guidance on website. I do alot of yoga. It's a mixed class, maybe you can find one in your area.
A good one is circling your ankles, bending your foot forward and back.
Have a look on wellbeing as you say it's hard to explain.
I Sorry about yesterday but once I go 'off' in the evening nothing helps but going to bed!
The 'off' periods occur several times a day but the stiffness a little better if I do some exercising.. it's so difficult to get motivated when you feel so achy but when I go to the Day Centre we do an exercise class and the teacher tries to make it fun but it doesn't help if I don't exercise regularly.
Hi Barney12
Yes, stiffness at any time of day is a key impact of PD. The relative inactivity due to fatigue and the muscle tension from tremors all combine to shorten the tendons and muscle connections to your bones.
You should aim to stretch using the Mattes method of active isolation. Typically these involve using a rubber band or rope or dressing gown belt / hand towel at diagonal corners.
There are plenty of videos on YouTube.
Don't over stretch and remember that stretching involves contracting one set of muscles in order to relax or lengthen another. Make sure you complete the stretches so that any muscle you contract is followed by another stretch that relaxes the muscle you have just tensed.
Incomplete stretching sessions can also cause stiffness.
Finally, avoid static stretches where you stretch and hold. The benefit is gained from a fluid movement without harsh stopping and starting or bouncing at the limit of your tendons.
Have a go and you'll feel better for it.
I used to have legs that would not work at all until I had my meds changed entacapone from Tolcapone I asked my consultant and all round good guy if the drugs were made by Alcapone he gave me a look that would have sent many men running away but im made of sturdy geordie stock and his rebuke was " no ", so there it is with parky its a case of trial and error with me it was error for a good while until I was in for a mot and was offered Duodopa and what a difference I could have climbed everest when it was fitted, it took 22 grown men to hold me back, or I would have been the first parkiest on top of Havearest. but Im no show off so Ill pass on that, but it does work Barney.
All the best Barney keep pushing if you think your drugs are not working
I was diagnosed last year. Fortunately I see a Parkinson's nurse every 6 months. She is really good and reassuring, as well as tweaking my meds so that I slept better after a few months on the new regime.
She also said how important it was to keep moving. Parkinson's uk has a brilliant DVD and booklet called just that - "Keep moving". When I first watched the DVD I couldn't see how their recommended exercises would help, they're so gentle. But they really do, as they they are designed specifically for PD people.
I've also started Tai Chi classes. No special clothes, no mat, no rubber bands needed.That works for me too. I actually joined U3a so that I could join their reasonably priced classed that were clearly targeted for the members (ie those of us of more mature years!)
It's really worth trying a few activities till you find one that you like and that suits you as not only does it help with stiffness but I always feel better in myself for having done a bit of exercise.