Ever wonder why when you are at the chiropractic clinic, the practitioners would emphasise on your leg length? No matter you come for lower back pain, knee pain or the like, and somehow you would feel better once your leg length is balanced back?

Leg length imbalance is a common concern that affects many individuals, but the root cause is often misunderstood. Several factors causes the imbalance beyond the actual bone structure. Chiropractors are trained to assess and address these imbalances by looking for the main cause while administering the appropriate treatment.

Leg Length Discrepancy — Uneven Leg Length

Common Causes of Leg Length Discrepancies

Pelvic Misalignment: When the pelvis becomes tilted or rotated, it can cause one leg to appear shorter than the other. In this case, the legs are of equal length. This imbalance can occur due to poor posture, prolonged sitting, or even minor injuries. A chiropractor focuses on adjusting the pelvis and spine, which can restore balance and alleviate the discomfort caused by this misalignment.
Spinal Misalignment: When the vertebrae of your spine are out of alignment, they can cause a ripple effect throughout the body’s overall alignment. This misalignment often goes unnoticed until a thorough examination is performed, which is why routine check-ups can be beneficial in preventing and addressing imbalances before they cause discomfort or pain.
Muscle Imbalance: Tight or weak muscles, particulary in the hips, lower back, and legs, can pull on different parts of the body, creating an uneven appearance. For example, tight quadriceps or hamstrings might pull one leg up slightly, making it appear shorter or muscles that are weak may not be able to support the body’s alignment, leasing to an uneven stance.
True Leg Length Discrepancy: In some cases, the imbalance may be due to true leg length discrepancy, where one leg bone is physically shorter than the other.This may result from congenital conditions, fractures, growth plate injuries, or developmental conditions. True leg length discrepancy can cause long-term issues in the hip, knee, and back if left untreated.
Foot Posture and Gait Issues: The way you walk and how your feet make contact with the ground can affect leg alignment significantly. Foot postural issues, such as flat feet or high arches, can cause uneven weight distribution and also one leg to function differently from the other, leading to perception of imbalance. Improper gait can strain muscles and joints, making the problem worse.

How Chiropractors Can Help

If you suspect a leg length imbalance, chiropractors can help identify the main cause. Chiropractors assess the entire body, focusing not only on the legs but also on the spine, pelvis and muscles. The aim of the treatment is to restore balance and reduce discomfort. In cases of true leg length discrepancy, chiropractors may refer patients to other healthcare providers and work alongside them to ensure the best outcome. Chiropractic care also focuses on long-term prevention by improving posture and body mechanics to prevent future misalignments.

Our treatment plans to accomplish this includes: