Leg Length Inequality | Aston Manor Chiropractors

Could one leg really be shorter than the other?

Most people have some degree of difference in the length or function of their legs. In many people, the difference is small enough that the body compensates for it without causing any problems.
However, when the difference is larger, or when the way one leg functions is significantly different from the other, it can change the way you stand and walk. Over time, this may place uneven stress on the feet, ankles, knees, hips, pelvis and lower back.
For some people, leg length inequality may be one of the contributing factors behind persistent or recurring low back pain.
At Aston Manor Chiropractors, we assess the whole chain of movement rather than looking at the painful area in isolation.


What is leg length inequality?

Leg length inequality, sometimes called a leg length discrepancy, simply means that the two legs are not functioning or measuring exactly the same.
There are two important types:
Structural leg length inequality
A structural leg length difference means that the bones of one leg are physically shorter than those of the other.
This may involve the femur, tibia or both.
In this situation, the difference is anatomical. The bones themselves are different lengths.
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Functional leg length inequality

With a functional leg length difference, the bones may actually be the same length, but one leg appears shorter because of the way the body is positioned or moving.
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What causes leg length inequality?

There may be a single cause or several factors working together.
Structural causes
  • Congenital or developmental differences
  • Previous fractures
  • Growth disturbances
  • Hip or leg surgery
  • Significant trauma
Functional causes
  • Pelvic position
  • Muscle imbalance
  • Restricted hip or pelvic movement
  • Foot or ankle dysfunction
  • Excessive pronation
  • Previous injuries
  • Altered walking patterns
A person can also have both a small structural difference and a functional component.


How can leg length inequality affect your back?


How would you know if one leg is shorter?

It is not always obvious.
Some people notice a difference themselves, while others only become aware of it after developing recurring symptoms.
Possible signs include:
  • One trouser leg appearing longer than the other
  • Uneven shoe wear
  • A tendency to stand more heavily on one side
  • An uneven walking pattern
  • A pelvis that appears tilted
  • One hip feeling tighter than the other
  • Recurring pain on one side
  • Persistent or recurring low back pain
  • Hip, knee, ankle or foot discomfort
Some people find that symptoms become more noticeable after prolonged standing or walking.
A tape measure at home may suggest that one leg is shorter, but measurements can be misleading because pelvic position, joint position and soft-tissue tension can change the apparent length of the legs.
When a true structural difference needs to be confirmed, more precise methods such as imaging may be appropriate.