Uneven Leg Length

Are your legs even in length? About 75% of the population has some level of leg length inequality and serious adverse effects can occur as result if left untreated. Leg length discrepancy can be due to structural or functional issues. Both can evoke similar responses in the musculoskeletal system when present for sustained periods.

Structural leg length inequality is due to anatomical causes such as unequal growth rates, fractures and surgery, congenital deformities, degeneration, infection, and neoplasms. Functional leg length inequality is due to pelvic rotation, excessive foot pronation, muscle contractures, or misalignment in the pelvis and sacrum.

Prolonged or untreated leg length discrepancy will set off a series of reactions as your body will adapt to this imbalance to maintain balance. Below is an example of what happens when the leg discrepancy is left untreated.

Short Leg → Pelvic Tilt (Hip Arthritis) → Muscle Imbalance (Trigger Points) → Scoliosis (Spine Misalignment and Curvature) → Degeneration (More Joint Osteoarthritis) → Chronic Low Back Pain
If you have some sort of leg length inequality, ask your chiropractor how shoe orthotics can benefit you.