Parkinson’s disease is a condition that causes the brain to become progressively more damaged over time, said the NHS. You could be at risk of the neurodegenerative condition if you develop a slight limp when you walk, it’s been revealed.
Parkinson’s is caused by a loss of nerve cells in a specific part of the brain.
These nerve cells are used to help send messages between the brain and the nervous system.
Parkinson’s disease symptoms tend to develop gradually, and only appear as mild at first.
One of the key early warning signs of the neurodegenerative condition is unexplained changes to the way you walk, it’s been revealed.
Some Parkinson’s patients may find that they develop a limp when they walk.
Others may even drag one of their legs while walking, according to the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA).
In some cases, changes to your walk may be the earliest signs of the brain condition.
You should consider speaking to a doctor if you’re worried about a new, unexplained limp.
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“Symptoms vary from person to person and a number of other illnesses have similar symptoms, which means misdiagnoses can occur,” said EPDA.
“If you suspect you, or someone you know has Parkinson’s, it is important to see a doctor or neurologist soon.
“Early physical signs include the common motor symptoms: tremor, muscle rigidity and slowness.
“They may also include the following: Symptoms starting on one side of the body, change in facial expression, stooped posture, [and] limping or dragging of one leg.”
Limping may refer to any type of difficulty or problem that occurs while walking.
It may be caused by a number of different diseases, or simply damage to the legs or feet.
Just because you have a limp, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have Parkinson’s disease.
Your limping is more likely to be caused by Parkinson’s if it’s accompanied from any of the more common warning signs.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors, slow movement, and muscle stiffness.
The muscle stiffness makes facial expressions more difficult, said the charity.
Tremors usually start in the hand or the arm, and are more likely to occur when the arm is relaxed.
There are about 145,000 people in the UK with Parkinson’s disease, and it’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.
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