What are symptoms of leg length discrepancies?
/A leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a condition in which one leg is longer than the other. This can result from a congenital condition or can develop later in life due to injury, surgery, or disease. LLDs can range in severity from mild to severe. Often those with mild cases show no signs at all, while more severe cases are likely to reveal more symptoms.
Visual signs of LLDs can include
1. Uneven hip heights: When standing barefoot, one hip may appear higher than the other, which results from a tilt of the pelvis caused by the shorter leg.
2. Tilted shoulders: The shoulders may be tilted to one side. The tilt in the shoulders can be from the difference in leg lengths or from a resulting scoliotic curve.
3. Asymmetry of the waistline: The waistline may appear uneven or longer on one side. Resulting scoliosis can also affect how each side appears.
4. Uneven leg creases: The creases at the back of the knees may be uneven, with the crease on the longer likely being higher and flatter (hyperextended).
5. Uneven shoe wear: The soles of the shoes may show uneven wear, with the shoe on the shorter leg being more worn.
6. Difficulty standing up straight: Standing up straight may be difficult due to the uneven distribution of weight on the legs and balance within the pelvis.
Less visible symptoms and problems can include
Pain in the back, hip, knee, or ankle: The body has to compensate for an LLD by tilting the pelvis and spine, which can lead to pain in these areas. This pain can also occur from scoliosis, which can develop over time as the body maintains an asymmetry.
Walking problems: An LLD can cause a limp or other gait and walking problems.
Posture problems: An LLD can lead to poor posture, such as a tilted shoulder or head. These can also be exacerbated by scoliosis.
Muscle fatigue: The muscles in the shorter leg have to work harder to compensate for the discrepancy and bear more of the body’s weight, which can lead to overwork and fatigue.
Increased risk of injury: People with LLDs are at an increased risk of injuries, such as stress fractures, muscle strains, and ligament tears.
The severity of the symptoms of a leg length discrepancy will depend on the size of the discrepancy and the individual's overall health and fitness. In general, larger discrepancies are more likely to cause symptoms.
How to diagnose LLDs
An LLD can be diagnosed by a doctor or physical therapist. There are a few different ways to measure an LLD, including measuring tape, standing on blocks, and imaging tests like X-rays (the most accurate method). Read more in my post about how to measure an LLD.
If you exhibit any of these symptoms, know that they don’t necessarily indicate LLD. Visit your medical provider for assessment and to discuss treatment options.