Leg Length Differences

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Has anyone ever asked you the question "Why are you limping?" to which you replied "I am not limping!".

The person asking the question has simply seen a difference between the left side of your body and your right side in walking that looks the same as when somebody limps.

It is an asymmetry where one side moves slower for each step than the other side or one side of the body moves a shorter distance than the other creating the appearance of a limp.

The reason you answer "I am not limping" is because you don't have any pain so you think "Why would I be limping?".

Whether you have pain or not, a reason for limping can be leg length difference.

The difference can be functional, that is the legs act as though they are different lengths but they are in fact the same. There has been a change in the body, usually because of poor foot function, that changes the hips and gives the appearance and symptoms of a shorter or longer leg on one side.

There can also be a structural difference where both legs are not the same length and again this causes a limp with or without pain.

A leg length difference can cause many problems such as foot and ankle pain, shin and knee pain as well as the obvious problems of hip, back and neck pain.

If you have friends or colleagues making comments on your "limping" or symptoms that could be related to a leg length difference then you should consider having an assessment at Instep Podiatry Brisbane.