Do you know if your legs are two different lengths?
Limb length discrepancy (LLD) is a difference in length of the arms or the legs. This can be present in both children and adults. We are all asymmetrical in one way or another. When asymmetry is present in the legs, we walk less efficiently.
About 1/3 of the population has a minor LLD of less than 1 cm. The larger the discrepancy, the harder it is for your body to compensate. This can affect your posture and lead to injury and pain.
Your leg lengths may be different if you suffer from:
- Lower back pain (spinal stenosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease)
- Sciatica
- Hip and/or knee pain
- Problems only on one side (ex. left hip pain, left knee pain, left plantar fasciitis)
- Leaning to one side or rocking from side to side when walking
Types of LLDs:
- Structural: difference in length of the thigh bone or the shin bone. This can be congenital (present at birth), occur after surgery (most commonly after joint replacements), or after trauma (if a bone breaks and heals in a shorter position)
- Functional: this occurs from compensating for tight muscles or tendons or for skeletal abnormalities
Office evaluation:
- Tape measurements of limbs
- Gait analysis (assess the way you walk)
- Xrays
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to improve the symmetry of your legs to allow for more efficiency when walking or running. Treatments include making recommendations for proper shoes, stretching, orthotics, and lifts.
If you think you have a limb length difference, please call the office 856-599-0133 to schedule an evaluation.