Living with Parkinson’s presents many daily challenges, but one of the most powerful tools for preserving independence is simply this: keep moving. For many, however, that’s easier said than done. Mobility can be affected not only by the condition itself but by a range of foot and lower-limb issues that make walking painful or exhausting. As a specialist in musculoskeletal podiatry, I see firsthand how targeted interventions — particularly orthotic therapy — can dramatically change someone’s capacity to stay active and pain-free.
Many people think of orthotics (commonly referred to as insoles) as something generic — a flat foam insert or a quick fix from the high street. But for people managing complex foot pain, deformities, or systemic conditions like Parkinson’s, the right orthotic isn’t a generic solution — it’s a personalised intervention based on detailed biomechanical assessment, gait analysis, and a deep understanding of the individual’s movement patterns.
Here’s one such story from a patient who came to me with multiple challenges and an ambitious goal:
“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 5 years ago – and the best advice I got from my consultant was to ‘keep moving’. This makes foot health absolutely essential – and unfortunately, I have been blessed with bunions and hammer toe, and am recovering from trochanteric bursitis and sciatica. I needed help before setting out on the Wainwright Coast to Coast route in May, raising money for Parkinson’s charities.
Rick was recommended to me, and spent a lot of time talking through my issues and looking closely at my footwear – specifically my new Hanwag bunion boots which were pinching my hammer toe and blistering my little toes. I was sceptical that an insole could resolve my problems, but after gradually wearing them in for a week we walked the Malvern Hills and back again – 18 miles and 1400 metres of ascent, and my feet felt fantastic! I have been so impressed I have ordered a further two sets of insoles for my trainers and other shoes. This is not a cheap option, but completely worthwhile for me as my health depends on me keeping moving.
We’ll see how my feet feel when we’re finished – but I’m sure my treatment from Rick will have hugely improved my chances of getting to the end without considerable pain. Thanks!”
Orthotics, Foot Pain Relief and Parkinson’s
In this case, we needed to address multiple compounding foot challenges — including bunions, hammer toes, and footwear irritation from her walking boots. While her Hanwag boots were marketed as a bunion-friendly option, they still aggravated her forefoot structure, particularly the hammer toe and little toes.
Our orthotic solution was not about cushioning alone. It involved:
- Redistributing pressure away from the forefoot and high-risk blister zones
- Supporting the rearfoot to improve gait control and reduce compensations
- Creating a customised profile to offload the affected toes without compromising foot function
- Advising a structured wear-in protocol to allow gradual adaptation
It’s important to clarify that I did not treat her sciatica or trochanteric bursitis, though those elements of her history informed my clinical decisions about overall support and comfort.
The result? Eighteen miles, 1400 metres of elevation, and no foot pain. That kind of distance, especially with Parkinson’s and a complex foot presentation, is an achievement to be incredibly proud of.
This is why we do what we do. Orthoses aren’t just about what goes into your shoes. They’re about what you get out of them: freedom, independence, confidence. And above all, the ability to keep moving.