Recently diagnosed with PD, started levodopa, now foot issues

Hello @sdcz and welcome to the PD support group on Mayo Clinic Connect. You say that you were recently diagnosed. How long ago was the diagnosis? From my experience, and that of other PD patients, pain and stiffness are all part of the PD disorder. Regarding the twist in your foot, that is probably something you should mention to your neurologist, especially if it is severe enough to cause a fall. First thing in the morning, stiffness is at its worst for me, and it tends to improve throughout the day as I take my meds and move around. Have you had any falls?

How is the carbidopa/levodopa working for you? Has it relieved any other symptoms that were bothersome?

@hopeful33250 Thanks for your input. No falls and the meds are helping my tremor. Diagnosed in October 2025. I think I need to monitor the stiffness, haven't really noticed a pattern.

@sdcz
That is a good idea. Monitoring your symptoms by day and time is often helpful for spotting a pattern. Morning stiffness is common in PD, but it is important to let your doctor know. It could be that a change in medication may help.

If you have not yet been referred for physical therapy, I recommend that you request a referral. There is a specific physical therapy program called Big and Loud. It trains the patient with PD in both movement and voice. Do you currently have any speech problems?

@hopeful33250
No speech problems. Will definitely check out physical programs specifically for PD

My husband gets Botox shots every 3 months in the foot and calf and they greatly help cramping, stiffness and curling ties. He does have to book them 6 months out as only the Movement Disorder Specialist can give them. Best of luck.

Very interesting, thank you. I will check it out.

@jtes,
I appreciate you sharing that the Botox shots helped your husband's foot/calf problems. As he gets the Botox every three months, does he notice a change in his symptoms when he is near the time for his next injection?

@hopeful33250

It takes a couple of weeks for the shots to kick in and then as he gets closer to the next shot, his calf and foot start to tighten and possibly his toes to curl. He also has a massage each month which is also very helpful.

My left foot turned inward after taking levodopa- carbidopa; It happened gradually and PT doesn't help.

@missbutterfly2be

What does your doctor say about this change?