Runner on a treadmill with a strap below the knee as a clinician works behind

Leg Length Discrepancy Assessment in Romsey

Measurement of true and functional leg length, and what it means for your symptoms.

A patient standing on a balance plate while a clinician records the results on a laptop
Background

What Is Leg Length Discrepancy?

Leg length discrepancy occurs when one leg is longer than the other.

  • Structural, where the bones themselves differ in length
  • Functional, where movement patterns or joint positioning create the appearance of unequal leg length

Both types can influence how the body moves during walking and running.

Symptoms Associated with Leg Length Discrepancy

Potential symptoms include:

  • Hip pain
  • Knee pain
  • Foot pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Recurrent injuries
  • Uneven shoe wear
  • Running-related discomfort

Not everyone with a leg length difference develops symptoms.

Assessment and Diagnosis

At NK Active, assessment may include:

  • Biomechanical examination
  • Postural assessment
  • Gait analysis
  • Functional movement testing
  • Lower limb assessment

Our goal is to determine whether the discrepancy is clinically significant and contributing to symptoms.

Treatment Options

Gait Analysis

Advanced assessment helps identify compensatory movement patterns.

Orthotic Therapy

Heel lifts or orthotic interventions may be appropriate in selected cases.

Rehabilitation

Exercises may help address associated movement dysfunctions.

Strength Testing

Strength deficits may contribute to compensation patterns and can be addressed through rehabilitation.

Clinician placing gait-analysis markers on a runner
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does everyone have some leg length difference?

Small differences are common and often do not cause symptoms.

Will I need orthotics?

Only if assessment suggests they are likely to improve function and reduce symptoms.

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