Functional leg length discrepancy or short leg is a fairly common condition that typically occurs due to uneven hips, inflexibility or muscle weaknesses at the pelvis, ankle, and foot regions. Runners sometimes experience the condition when running over certain surfaces that are uneven, unstable or not level. It can also occur due to inappropriate footwear.

Leg length discrepancy can cause pain in the lower back, hips, buttocks, and legs. If left untreated, it can lead to balance and postural issues, neck and shoulder problems, and incorrect weight distribution on one side of the body.

What is functional leg length discrepancy or short leg?

Patients with a functional leg length discrepancy, have an apparent short leg. Although, structurally both legs are the same length when measured. The most common method for measuring leg length is from the medial malleolus (inside ankle bone) to the ASIS (front of the pelvis). When the legs are measured in the case of a functional leg length discrepancy, they are equal in length.

Mothers who always carry a child on one hip or individuals who always sleep on the same side can experience functional leg length discrepancy or short leg. In fact, any movement, posture, or activity that causes increased stresses on one side of the body more than the other can creat an imbalance at the involved joints, nerves, and muscles.

The difference between functional leg length discrepancy and anatomical leg length discrepancy

With functional leg length discrepancy or short leg syndrome, one leg is apparently shorter than the other but not structurally. An anatomical short leg is structurally shorter. This can happen due to growth problems, structural issues, and curvature of the spine.

The differences between the two conditions are significant, particularly when it comes to treatment. Both types of leg length differnce can be treated by chiropractic for pain. Functional short leg difference can greatly benefit from chiropractic care and adjustments by realigning the body.

Symptoms of leg length discrepancy or short leg

Symptoms of leg length discrepancy and short leg include:

• Pain in the lower back
• Pain in the knee of both the long leg and the short leg
• Pain in the leg and lower pack due to inflammation or sciatica
• Gait issues causing poor balance when running or walking
• Ankle and foot pain
• Problems with posture and postural issues

Functional leg length discrepancy or short leg symptoms can remain confined to the leg, lower back, and hip region, or it can affect the entire body. When walking it can affect the way your feet hit the ground, causing pain in the foot and ankle.

When a person has leg length discrepancy or short leg syndrome, they will often adjust their body in order to compensate, but that is when the real problems start.

The human body is a marvelous, mysterious machine. When part of the machine is not working properly, the body will naturally attempt to fix it. If it cannot fix the problem, it finds a work around to compensate for the problem. This can lead to misalignment of the spine and imbalance in the body.

Chiropractic treatment for functional leg length discrepancy

When you go to a chiropractor for a functional leg length difference, they will do a thorough exam on you, which may or may not include imaging tests like MRI and x-ray. Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, the chiropractor will begin what is usually a multi-faceted approach that incorporates spinal alignment, lifestyle change recommendations, and exercises that you can do at home.

The chiropractic adjustments will return the spine to its natural position and bring the body back into balance. Patients will usually experience a decrease in pain or the pain may go away completely. They will also enjoy increased mobility and flexibility as well and an overall sense of wellness.