Why is my other leg longer than the other?
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Why is my other leg longer than the other?
Some people are born with one leg longer than the other. In other cases, injury or illness causes a discrepancy in leg length that may progress over time. This isn’t necessarily something to worry about, as a little variation is normal and likely won’t lead to any health issues.
How much leg length discrepancy is too much?
Leg length discrepancies are very common. In fact, many of us have a small difference in our leg lengths. However, most people don’t notice the difference or require any treatment. When the difference measures more than 1.5 to 2.0 cm (5/8 of an inch), most physicians recommend having the discrepancy evaluated.
How do I fix the difference in leg lengths?
The treatments that can be considered include a shoe insert, a high shoe, or an orthosis, surgically induced slowing of growth by blockade of the epiphyseal plates around the knee joint, or leg lengthening with osteotomy and subsequent distraction of the bone callus with fully implanted or external apparatus.
Can leg length discrepancy be cured?
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.
How much leg length difference is normal?
Small differences in limb length are common. In fact, as many as a third of the population may have a 1 cm or less (less than ½ inch) discrepancy between their right and left legs. These slight differences are generally not noticeable and don’t require treatment.
Can I increase my leg length?
Is It Possible to Get Longer Legs? Many of us have wished to be taller, or to have longer legs, at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to get longer legs once you stop growing. Around 80 percent of a person’s height is determined by their genes.
How do you know if you have a leg length discrepancy?
Signs of leg-length discrepancy
- 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.
- pain in the back, hip, knee, or ankle.
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.
