Skip to content

LEG LENGTH DISCREPANCY

Source: https://www.eastcoastpodiatry.sg/leg-length-difference/

Copyright © 2020 East Coast Podiatry Centre. All Rights Reserved. 

SYMPTOMS

  • One leg shorter than the other

  • Pain in the Back, Knees, or Hips

  • Postural Issues

  • Limping

  • Toe Walking

  • Knee hyperextension on the short leg and flexion of the knee on the long leg

 

Types

Functional – the limbs are of equal length but a symmetrical issue above the thigh bone is affected (example: scolosis)

Structural – the bone in one limb, is longer than the bone of the other limb

 

Causes of LLD

Congenital- present at birth

Developmental- when the growth plates are not in sync

Post Traumatic- caused by injuries

Tumor Related-disease that affects bone growth

Treatment Through Shoe Lifts

Shoe lifts are a great way to help alleviate pain when it comes to Leg Length Discrepancies.   By adding a shoe lift to the short leg, it causes a chain reaction to realign the body into a more anatomically neutral position.

 

Measuring for LLD

If you have questions about what your leg length discrepancy measurement is you can visit an orthopedic surgeon or a physical therapist to check the length difference.  Doctors use the following methods to diagnose a LLD: physical observation, gait analysis, block testing, X-rays, or a CT scan.

If you need help finding a physician local to your area, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you!