LEG LENGTH DIFFERENCES (ie: youve got one longer leg) A common cause of recurring and chronic pain that can affect your entire body. Signs, symptoms and how we can help Youd be hard pressed to find someone who is 100% symmetrical. Most of us have one foot that is a little longer, a hand and even one leg. The majority of the time this difference in leg length doesnt cause any problems at all. Other times a leg length difference can be the underlying cause for reoccurring and/or chronic foot, ankle, knee, hip, back, shoulder and neck pain. Thats right! A leg length difference can affect your entire body! What are some signs of a leg length difference? - One shoulder drops lower than the other. - One hip drops lower than the other side and/or twists forward. - You stand with one leg straight and one knee bent a little. - You stand with one foot turned in or out more than the other. - You have one foot that pronates (fallen arch) more that the other. - Your shoes wear unevenly. - You had a broken bone in the leg and/or ankle in your growing years. Symptoms Symptoms can develop anywhere, and can vary extensively from person to person. The most important sign I look for with patients is the symmetry of pain... ie: Are symptoms only occurring, or are noticeably worse on one side? Some of the common areas patients are affected by are; - Chronic and recurring lower back and/SIJ (sacroiliac joint) pain. Frequently a patient may be seeing a Chiropractor, Osteopath, Massage Therapist or Physiotherapist for their lower back. Despite regular treatment the symptoms return time and time again. - Tightness and soreness in their back, glutes, hamstrings etc... that is always somewhat worse on one side. - Core/pelvis/lower back strengthening exercises just dont seem to get any easier, and you dont notice any improvement in strength. - Arch, ankle, shin, knee, groin, hip, glute and/or lower back pain that is worse on one side. Now heres where it can get tricky, and why a thorough biomechanical assessment is so important. There are different types of leg length differences. Structural - Youve literally got one leg bone longer than the other. Functional - Leg length is the same but you function like you have one longer. Scoliosis, muscle imbalances surrounding the lower back, pelvis and/or thigh can be the cause. - A combination of the two How can we help? First things first, the assessment. Our biomechanical assessments can identify the areas/structures that are causing/contributing to your symptoms. Then depending on our findings a treatment plan will be devised. This may involve; Heel lifts, footwear modifications, corrective exercises, soft tissue therapy, orthotic therapy etc... Leg length differences can cause symptoms to develop in people of all ages. For appointments call us on 6557 2034
Posted on: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 21:26:47 +0000
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