This symptom is typically seen in about 70% of cases as the first sign that something is going on. The term “resting” is used because the person is doing just that, resting, and has a tremor present. This is different from a “purposeful tremor” that is seen when some individuals attempt to perform a task. A resting tremor usually starts as one finger, hand or foot moving (on one side of the body) with the inability to control or stop it. This tremor usually stops on its own though when a person begins an action.

The medical term for this is known as Bradykinesia. This is a true feature of Parkinson’s that defines it from other disorders. With this symptom, a person appears abnormally still. This includes movement related to walking, repetitive actions and even facial expression. Eventually it affects the ability to complete daily living activities (buttoning a shirt or brushing teeth) and speech

The muscles involved usually are located in the neck, shoulders and legs. The person will experience stiffness that does not let up. The limbs will remain rigid and arms do not swing as normal when walking. This rigidity can be uncomfortable and at times quite painful.

Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems as a result of Parkinson's disease.

In Parkinson's disease, you may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk.

You may have speech problems as a result of Parkinson's disease. You may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be more of a monotone rather than with the usual inflections.

It may become hard to write, and your writing may appear small.