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Why Are Falls So Common in Parkinson’s?
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How Does Parkinson’s Affect Balance and Walking?
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What Everyday Situations Increase Fall Risk?
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How Can Adaptive Shoes Help Reduce Falls?
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How Can You Stay Safer Day-to-Day?
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What’s the Best Way to Reduce Fall Risk With Parkinson’s?
If you or a loved one lives with Parkinson’s disease, you may have noticed that falls happen more often than expected. In fact, research shows that up to 68% of people with Parkinson’s experience at least one fall each year, and many have repeated falls. This can be frustrating, scary, and sometimes life-changing. But why does it happen so frequently? Understanding the “why” is the first step toward finding practical solutions to stay safe and mobile.
How Does Parkinson’s Affect Balance and Walking?
Parkinson’s disease impacts the way the brain controls movement. Over time, this can change the way a person walks, stands, and reacts to obstacles. Some of the most common challenges include:
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement): Steps become smaller and harder to start or stop, increasing tripping risk.
- Rigidity: Stiff muscles reduce flexibility, making it difficult to adjust quickly to uneven ground.
- Freezing episodes: The feet may suddenly feel “stuck” in place, even when the brain wants to move.
- Postural instability: The body’s natural balance responses weaken, making it harder to catch yourself if you stumble.
Together, these symptoms make walking less fluid and less predictable, which explains why falls are more frequent in Parkinson’s.
Falls aren’t just caused by Parkinson’s symptoms — they’re often triggered by everyday situations. Some common examples include:
- Uneven surfaces like sidewalks, grass, or rugs that catch the toes.
- Fatigue that comes from walking with extra effort, which can lead to mistakes in foot placement.
- Narrow spaces such as doorways or hallways, where freezing episodes are more common.
- Multitasking while walking, such as carrying groceries, which makes balance harder to manage.
Knowing these triggers can help you prepare and reduce risks before they happen.
How Can Adaptive Shoes Help Reduce Falls?
While there’s no single way to eliminate falls completely, the right footwear can make walking safer and more stable. Cadense adaptive shoes are designed with Parkinson’s challenges in mind:
- Wide base and toe box – Provide more stability and reduce tripping.
- Lightweight, flexible soles – Support smoother steps and help prevent dragging.
- Easy on/off design – Reduces the struggle of putting on shoes, so you’re ready to walk safely sooner.
- Patented Variable Friction Technology – Helps keep movement controlled, making it easier to stay steady across different surfaces.
By pairing supportive footwear with safe walking habits and regular exercise, many people with Parkinson’s find they can move more confidently and reduce their risk of falling.
How Can You Stay Safer Day-to-Day?
In addition to choosing the right shoes, there are other simple steps that can help lower fall risk:
- Keep walkways clear of clutter and loose rugs.
- Install grab bars or railings in areas where balance is challenged, like bathrooms and stairs.
- Break tasks into smaller steps so you don’t have to rush or multitask while walking.
- Stay consistent with exercises that improve strength and balance.
What’s the Best Way to Reduce Fall Risk With Parkinson’s?
Falls are a common challenge for people with Parkinson’s, but understanding why they happen can help you take control. By recognizing how symptoms affect balance, planning ahead for tricky situations, and wearing adaptive shoes designed for safety and stability, you can reduce risks and move with more confidence.
Explore Cadense Shoes for Parkinson’s Disease to find footwear designed to support stability, comfort, and safety.
![[color: all black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe](http://cadense.com/cdn/shop/files/AllBlack-Mens-T1.jpg?crop=center&height=300&v=1732139020&width=300)
![[color: black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe](http://cadense.com/cdn/shop/files/CadenseOriginalMensBlack-001.jpg?crop=center&height=300&v=1694621753&width=300)
![[color: white] Original Women's Adaptive Shoe](http://cadense.com/cdn/shop/files/CadenseOriginalWomensWhite-001.jpg?crop=center&height=300&v=1694622872&width=300)
