What is Parkinson’s Disease?

By Premier Foot & Ankle Specialists

Parkinson’s Disease affects about 600,000 to 1,000,000 people or more in the U.S. alone. About 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological disorder that affects movement, along with multiple body systems. It is the most common brain disorder, second only to Alzheimer’s. The average age of diagnosis is 60 years old, but some can be diagnosed at 40 years of age or younger. Parkinson’s can be diagnosed with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Three of the classic motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease are resting tremors, stiffness, and slowness. However, Parkinson’s can manifest in numerous ways among patients, and affects multiple body systems, including the brain, gastrointestinal system, and musculoskeletal system, among others. Therefore, Parkinson’s is known to present uniquely among people and manifest in a variety of ways due to its effect on multiple body systems. These affects include the lower extremities too, which can be assessed and treated by a podiatrist.

Why does Parkinson’s occur?
The cells that produce dopamine in the brain stop working or cease to function entirely. Dopamine is important because it is a chemical that signals essential functions in the body like movement, along with overall mood, such as feelings of motivation and satisfaction. When the centers of the brain that produce dopamine stop working, these functions become impaired, and Parkinson’s begins to manifest. The cause of Parkinson’s is still relatively unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There has been an association of Parkinson’s with exposure to pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, along with risk factors associated with age, gender, or history of brain injuries.

Most people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease experience walking or balance challenges, foot pain, calluses and/or hammertoes. Many people will develop what is called a “Parkinsonian gait,” where they shuffle their feet with a characteristic short stride. This type of walking pattern often leads to foot pain or calluses. Calluses are caused by stress on the feet from pressure and friction, and can become painful and debilitating, along with increasing the risks of developing wounds if not treated, in some cases. Balance is also a significant issue for Parkinson’s patients, as they are at an increased risk of falling or having fall-related injuries such as fractures or wounds. Therefore, it is important to establish care with a podiatrist that can provide a thorough evaluation and treatment plan for all of these issues.

Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet can be a common problem for people with Parkinson’s or people who have movement difficulties. Being active and keeping your legs elevated throughout the day may help reduce the swelling. Compression stockings are often an essential tool in preventing and managing the swelling that can lead to wound formation in people with Parkinson’s.

Hammertoes are also another very common complication of Parkinson’s. Hammertoes are a condition where the toes contract and curl and can become “stuck” in a rigid position if not properly treated. Hammertoes are a progressive deformity that result from a muscle and tendon imbalances, which can also impair ones ability to walk properly due to debilitating pain and deformity. These conditions often need to be treated with custom orthotics, supportive shoes, splints, padding, among other treatments, including surgery in some cases.

The first step in preventing lower extremity problems with Parkinson’s is education. Particularly with Parkinson’s, home obstacles and slippery rugs should be removed from the home to prevent and significantly lower the chances of falls. Regular exercise should be promoted. Proper shoe gear is also essential in promoting continued, safe ambulation. For people with significant instability with walking, other treatments such as physical therapy to improve overall balance, strength, and function may be an option, for which your podiatrist can evaluate you.

Additionally, foot orthotics or ankle-foot orthoses can help with abnormal, neurologically induced gait patterns, falls or balance issues, foot pain and deformities such as hammertoes. These devices can be custom made to patients to ensure proper fit and comfort. Regular visits to the podiatrist are essential if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s to help patients lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Dr. Brielle Roggow
Dr. Brielle Roggow was born and raised in Jackson, Minnesota. She attended and graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a Bachelor of Science in biology. Next, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she attended Kent State University of Podiatric Medicine and graduated in the top 10% of her class. Following medical school, she moved to Tampa, Florida where she completed her surgical residency with the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.

Dr. Roggow is excited to provide exceptional foot and ankle care to Southwest Florida. Her podiatric interests include reconstructive surgery, wound care, trauma, and day-to-day podiatric care. Dr. Roggow enjoys spending her free time with her family. She is married to her husband Joshua and has a son, Jett, a daughter Josie, and two stepdaughters, Rylee and Reese. She enjoys being outdoors on the water, cooking, gardening, and riding horses.

Dr. Jeremy Bonjorno
Dr. Jeremy Bonjorno was born in Dansville, New York. He graduated from University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Bonjorno received a Doctor ate of Podiatric Medicine from Kent State University in Ohio. He completed a three-year surgical residency at the James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital in Tampa, where he served America’s veterans.

Dr. Bonjorno is a community-focused podiatrist with a commitment to high-quality patient care. His podiatric interests include diabetic foot care, wound care, bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and plantar fasciitis. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family in Tampa. He also likes music, cars, traveling, and cycling.

Premier Foot and Ankle Specialists
(941) 488-0222
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