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» Treatment for Different Length Legs

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Treatment for Different Length Legs

I found out I have a very small (quarter inch) difference in the length of my legs. The right is shorter than the left. Should I do anything about it?

The answer to your question depends on the cause of your leg length difference. If it's from a shortened, overworked muscle then exercises to stretch that muscle out might restore your full length.

If it's a true leg length difference (the bones are shorter on one side), then a shoe insert or shoe lift can level your pelvis and spine. Symmetry is important to prevent future back pain or other problems.

Small leg length differences don't require much more than that. Surgery is only done for severe cases of shortening.

Ruth Defrin, PhD, et al. Conservative Correction of Leg-Length Discrepancies of 10mm or Less for the Relief of Chronic Low Back Pain. In Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. November 2005. Vol. 86. No. 11. Pp. 2075-2080.

Where Does It Hurt?
Look below to find your area of concern - and click where it hurts…

Patient Experience

The pain was so excruciating in my heel I was seriously worried about being able to continue work at the post office. My physician gave me stretches and massage exercises that didn’t help, and he told me I would probably require surgery for my foot in a few weeks. I went to this clinic and after one session my pain disappeared! We found my pain was actually coming from my back, and that surgery would have been a waste of money and time. I feel great now, and even better I didn’t have to do surgery!

Sheila C., Montross

I’ve tried all kinds of shoes; I’ve spent so much money on that stuff. I went to a chiropractor a few times and even did physical therapy once with not much improvement.My back and legs still feel bad. And now I feel like an old lady when I walk. Even my granddaughter holds on tight to me, because she thinks I’m going to fall.Since I’ve been here the sciatica in both legs is completely gone. I can also sit as long as I like, stay independent, and not feel stiff when I get up from a chair!

Ella C., Warsaw

The biggest problem I was having was in the morning. First thing, my back hurt so bad I couldn’t even stand up. I had to sit for 30 minutes before I could even move. I was really scared to move around in the morning, it had a huge negative effect on my life. I use my exercise and lumbar roll now, and I have zero issues in the morning when getting up. I can now walk down the hall and actually get my coffee pain free. My back feels great, and it’s been a tremendous help for me.

Alleyne D., Colonial Beach