Short Leg Syndrome
Short Leg Syndrome is when a difference in leg length causes chronic pain. The difference can be overlooked if it is subtle, but the tilt caused to the pelvis can put stress on the muscles and spine.
Symptoms
Usually symptoms are leg, hip, foot, knee and/or back pain. It could be just one of two of these, or all. The patient may also limp if the difference is significance. If the leg length is subtle the pain might only be marginal but if not treated could get progressively worse.
This may also be a cause of scoliosis so would need to be further investigated.
Assesment
A biomechanical assessment can determine short leg syndrome and how this is affecting the patient’s gait, posture and wellbeing. Further confirmations would be done via X-ray or MRI if required.
Treatment
There are a variety of ways to treat short leg syndrome, even by fixing the anomaly or intervening in leg growth if the condition is linked with growth issues.
For simple correction we would use a heel lift and orthotics, which are medically prescribed innersoles, designed to support, control and align the foot whilst correcting mechanical issues from the feet up, treating the cause. Use of orthotic therapy is an excellent regime as it helps realign the body’s biomechanical structure and control any excess foot pronation, eliminating the pull that occurs at the insertion point. They also help stabilise the heel bone and the growth plate to decrease inflammation and pain.
