How do you know if you have a leg length discrepancy?

Symptoms. Patients with significant lower limb length discrepancies may walk with a limp, have the appearance of a curved spine (non-structural scoliosis), and experience back pain or fatigue. In addition, clothes may not fit right.

What is the most accurate way to determine a leg length discrepancy?

Palpation and visual estimation of the iliac crest (or ASIS) in combination with the use of blocks or book pages of known thickness under the shorter limb to adjust the level of the iliac crests (or ASIS) appears to be the best (most accurate and precise) clinical method to asses limb inequality.

What is an acceptable leg length discrepancy?

Most differences in leg length are normal. No one is perfectly symmetrical and a difference of up to 2 cm in adults is typical.

What are the symptoms of one leg shorter than the other?

What are the symptoms of leg length discrepancy?

• one leg that is shorter than the other (this is not always obvious)
• problems with posture, such as a tilting shoulder.
• walking problems, such as limping or toe-walking.
• a knee that’s chronically hyperextended on the short side and flexed on the long side.

Can leg length discrepancy be corrected?

If a child has stopped growing, orthopedists can sometimes correct a leg length discrepancy by shortening the longer leg. This is done by removing a piece of bone from the longer leg. Limb lengthening surgery also can be done.

Can uneven leg length cause hip pain?

A leg length discrepancy may be functional or structural in nature. Minor discrepancies often cause no symptoms or problems. However, moderate-to-severe asymmetry may cause issues with walking and posture, and it can contribute to hip and back pain.

How do you treat uneven leg length?

Treatment for a discrepancy depends upon the severity. In many cases, a minor difference in leg length can be evened out by wearing a lift in one shoe. A child with a more significant difference, however, may benefit from surgery to make his or her legs the same length.

Can one leg being shorter than the other cause back pain?

Those who suffer from functional leg length discrepancy are those who tend to suffer from lower back pain. The Academy of Clinical Massage shares that tight back muscles on the “short side” are often the cause of the leg length difference.

Can a chiropractor fix leg length?

Chiropractic adjustments to the spine, pelvis, hips, knee, and ankle may be necessary to align the hips and make the leg length equal again. Exercises, functional taping, and foot leveling orthotics may be a part of the treatment as well, as determined on a case by case basis.

Which leg hurts with leg length discrepancy?

How can I tell if one leg is shorter than the other?

The only real way to assess a permanent, structural difference in leg length is through the use of an X-Ray or CT scan. This is because sometimes the appearance of uneven legs isn’t due to an actual difference in leg length.

How to evaluate for leg length discrepancy?

Examination and outcome measures. The most accurate method to identify leg (limb) length inequality ( discrepancy ) is through radiography. It’s also the best way to differentiate an anatomical from a functional limb length inequality.

What are possible treatments for leg length discrepancy?

The most common treatment for leg length discrepancy is to put a lift in the shoe of the shorter leg. The lift theoretically evens out the length of the legs, relieving the uneven stress being put on the joints, bones, and soft tissues.

Why is my leg longer after hip replacement?

When the hip is replaced the leg length will be longer but the shorter muscles will pull the pelvis down and the patient will experience the leg as too long. It takes time for the muscles to adapt. In some cases the problem is caused by the positioning of the cup part of the joint.

How to measure leg’s length?

Find a friend to help you measure your legs. Measuring your own true leg length is very difficult and will not yield accurate results.