Here is a URL for foot cramps in Parkinson's Disease.
If anyone can't get this, email me privately and I'll send it to you.
just me,
Marjorie
In part it says:
In Parkinson's disease (PD), cramping of the feet is also very common, but
the cause is central rather than peripheral. Foot cramping is just one of
several focal dystonias -- abnormal, sustained tightening of muscles --
that appear to be due to neurochemical abnormalities in the basal ganglia,
that part of the brain involved in PD. Patients show a particular type of
cramping characterized by downward clenching of the toes or inward turning
of the foot. Cramping can occur throughout the day or night, and can be
especially annoying when it interferes with sleep. Foot cramping is more
common among those individuals whose PD affects just one side of the body.
Dystonias are often mistaken for other causes of cramping or painful
muscles. Some individuals with orthopedic foot problems, such as Òhammer
toes,Ó are actually suffering from Parkinsonian dystonia. Patients with
dystonias may be entirely unaware of any Parkinsonism; indeed, muscle
cramping can precede the onset of Parkinsonian symptoms by years. There are
no laboratory tests that distinguish dystonia from other causes of
cramping, although a thorough neurologic examination and specialized tests
should pinpoint the cause. Some dystonic features -- such as blepharospasm
(involuntary closing of the eyelids) or torticollis (involuntary turning of
the neck) -- are common in the general population
Parkinsn's Archive Treasures Doctors, students, patients and caregivers find current Parkinson's information such as the Algorithm, Caregivers Handbook, and talks by respected Movement Disorder Specialists.
