Living with Parkinson’s disease presents a variety of challenges, from tremors to stiffness and balance issues. One of the most frustrating—and potentially dangerous—symptoms is freezing of gait (FOG). This occurs when your feet suddenly feel glued to the ground, preventing you from walking despite your best intentions.
For individuals like me, even when my symptoms are relatively well-controlled, FOG can occur daily. These episodes increase the risk of falls and disrupt independence. Over the years, I’ve noticed that the difference between “on” and “off” periods—when medication is effective versus when symptoms resurface—becomes increasingly dramatic.
What is Freezing of Gait?
Freezing of gait is a temporary inability to start or continue walking. It often happens without warning and can appear in familiar environments, tight spaces, or when approaching obstacles.
| Aspect | Description |
| Definition | Sudden inability to move the feet forward despite intention to walk |
| Common Triggers | Off medication periods, stress, fatigue, tight spaces, crowds |
| Risk | Falls, injuries, anxiety, reduced independence |
| Frequency | Can occur multiple times daily in advanced PD |
| Types of FOG | Start hesitation (difficulty initiating steps), Turn hesitation (freezing during turns), Destination hesitation (freezing near doorways or obstacles) |
Freezing is unpredictable and often accompanied by a feeling of paralyzed legs, leaving you vulnerable and frustrated.
My Experience With Freezing of Gait
From personal experience, FOG is much more than an inconvenience. Some episodes can be downright bizarre. For instance, while preparing breakfast recently, I froze with one knee on a chair, the other on the floor, and items in my hands. I had to call my wife, Hayley, to help lift me safely.
Even routine tasks like walking to the bathroom or getting dressed can take five to ten minutes due to the inability to move my legs. Estimating spatial distances, such as getting to the toilet, feels like navigating rush-hour traffic. My legs often feel like concrete blocks that refuse to obey any commands from my brain.
How Freezing Episodes Feel
During FOG, your body may freeze mid-motion as if hit with an invisible stun gun. Some of the positions you end up in can be dangerous and uncomfortable.
- Legs feel rigid and unresponsive
- Sudden inability to walk despite intention
- Trembling or shaking as muscles fatigue
- Panic or frustration as movement does not resume
| Symptom | Description |
| Sudden immobility | Legs “locked” in place |
| Off-period vulnerability | Increased risk during low-medication phases |
| Unpredictable occurrence | Can happen anywhere at any time |
| Frustration and anxiety | Emotional toll on patient and caregivers |
Understanding On and Off Periods in Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s medications, like levodopa, help manage motor symptoms. However, off periods—when the medication’s effect wears off—can trigger freezing episodes.
| Period Type | Description |
| On | Medication is effective; symptoms minimized |
| Off | Medication effect fades; symptoms like FOG, stiffness, and tremors reappear |
| Fluctuations | Over time, on/off periods can become more pronounced, with sharper contrasts |
The longer you live with Parkinson’s, the more noticeable these fluctuations become. Early in diagnosis, “on” and “off” periods were close together. Now, the difference is far more dramatic, leaving me wondering, “Where did my ‘on’ time go?”
Coping Strategies for Freezing of Gait
Over time, I’ve developed strategies to prepare for and manage FOG episodes:
| Strategy | Description |
| Prepare for off periods | Sit down, take medication, mentally ready yourself |
| Marching in place | Attempt to reset motor pathways; effectiveness decreases over time |
| Verbal cues or shouting | May help trigger movement; sometimes limited effect |
| Physiotherapy exercises | Focus on balance, stepping, and posture |
| Assistive devices | Canes, walkers, or devices like the Next Stride |
Despite preparation, freezing can occur unexpectedly. The best approach is minimizing off periods and using technology to regain mobility.
Innovative Solution: The Next Stride Device
One breakthrough solution for FOG is the Next Stride, developed by De Oro Devices. It attaches to canes, walkers, or walking poles and provides visual and auditory cues to help initiate movement.
How the Next Stride Works
- Visual Cue: A green laser projects lines to guide your steps
- Auditory Cue: Clicking sounds provide rhythmic signals for the legs
- Mechanism: These cues bypass damaged motor pathways, enabling walking even during off periods
Benefits of the Next Stride
| Benefit | Improvement |
| Reduction in FOG symptoms | Up to 43% |
| Reduction in falls | Up to 40% |
| Reduction in freeze duration | Up to 69% |
This device has dramatically improved my mobility. For example, attending a crowded church while off medication was previously impossible. With the Next Stride, I navigated stairs, aisles, and seating independently.
Personal Use Cases
The Next Stride has been life-changing in daily activities:
- Walking at home: Reduces freezing episodes during night-time bathroom visits
- Crowded environments: Enables safe navigation in public spaces
- Daily tasks: Helps with cooking, dressing, and household chores
It uses alternative brain pathways to send commands to the legs, essentially bypassing the pathways distorted by Parkinson’s. I call it my “instantaneous walking device.”
Practical Tips for Managing Freezing of Gait
Even with devices like the Next Stride, practical strategies help reduce FOG episodes:
| Strategy | Tip |
| Medication adherence | Take doses consistently to minimize off periods |
| Environmental adjustments | Remove obstacles, improve lighting, use handrails |
| Physiotherapy | Practice balance, stepping, and posture exercises |
| Mindful movement | Focus on deliberate steps in challenging areas |
| Assistive devices | Use canes, walkers, or cueing devices |
Combining these strategies with technological solutions offers the best chance for safe mobility.
Why Freezing of Gait Matters
FOG is more than an inconvenience:
- Fall risk: Frozen episodes can cause falls and injuries
- Emotional toll: Anxiety and frustration are common
- Daily disruption: Even basic tasks can become time-consuming and exhausting
Understanding FOG, preparing for off periods, and using assistive devices can improve quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing of Gait
Q1: Can FOG be prevented?
A: While not entirely preventable, consistent medication, physical therapy, environmental modifications, and cueing devices can reduce frequency.
Q2: Is FOG dangerous?
A: Yes. FOG increases the risk of falls and injuries, especially in elderly patients.
Q3: Are there devices to help with FOG?
A: Yes. Devices like the Next Stride provide visual and auditory cues to assist movement and reduce freezing episodes.
Q4: What are common triggers for FOG?
A: Off medication periods, tight spaces, stress, fatigue, and crowded areas are typical triggers.
Conclusion
Freezing of gait is a challenging symptom of Parkinson’s disease, but it can be managed. Understanding the causes, preparing for off periods, using coping strategies, and leveraging innovative devices like the Next Stride can restore mobility and independence. Combining these approaches with supportive products like Comfort Linen can further enhance daily living and caregiver support.
Note for Caregivers
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease, especially when dealing with freezing of gait (FOG), can be physically and emotionally demanding. Your support is crucial for safety and quality of life.
Tips for Caregivers:
- Always ensure the environment is safe: remove tripping hazards, provide sturdy handrails, and keep floors uncluttered.
- Be patient and calm during freezing episodes; sudden movements or panic can increase stress for both you and the person with Parkinson’s.
- Encourage the use of assistive devices like the Next Stride to reduce falls and promote independence.
- Monitor medication schedules closely to help minimize off periods and FOG episodes.
- Take care of yourself: caregiving can be draining, so schedule rest, seek support, and utilize resources available for caregiver well-being.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
- Always follow the guidance of your neurologist or healthcare provider regarding medications and treatment plans.
- Do not rely solely on devices, therapies, or strategies mentioned here without consulting a healthcare professional.
- Individual experiences with Parkinson’s disease and freezing of gait may vary, and responses to treatment or devices like the Next Stride are not guaranteed.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience falls, injuries, or sudden worsening of symptoms.
