Can functional leg length discrepancy be corrected?

Can functional leg length discrepancy be corrected?

A functional leg length can often be corrected with a combination of chiropractic adjustments and stretching. The chiropractic adjustments will properly align the pelvis, which may be the cause of the leg length difference.

What causes a functional short leg?

Functional short leg is a fairly common condition that typically occurs due to inflexibility or muscle weakness at the pelvis, ankle, and foot complex. Runners sometimes experience the condition when running over certain surfaces that are unstable or not level. It can also occur due to inappropriate footwear.

What is the difference between anatomical apparent and functional leg length discrepancies?

Anatomical leg length discrepancy can be confirmed through radiographic imaging, such as full limb X-ray or CT scan. Functional leg length discrepancies are when there is a “shortening” of the leg due to altered lower limb mechanics.

How do you treat functional LLD?

The treatment for functional LLD typically involves physical therapy, massage, and specific exercises to correct areas of imbalance and weakness. It is also important to correct poor posture. The exact type and number of interventions that a person needs will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the LLD.

How do you fix functional leg discrepancy?

Stretching exercises to loosen and lengthen muscles are used to correct functional leg length discrepancy. They also help improve back pain and other symptoms. The main muscle to stretch is called the quadratus lumborum.

Is having a short leg a disability?

There is some consensus in the literature that a clinically significant LLI can influence adversely the lumbar spine, the hip, and the long lower extremity. The disability from LLI is generally associated with the long leg, but may be associated with the short leg depending on individual circumstances.

When is leg length discrepancy significant?

Small differences in limb length are common. In fact, as many as a third of the population may have a 1 cm or less (less than ½ inch) discrepancy between their right and left legs. These slight differences are generally not noticeable and don’t require treatment.

What happens if you have one leg longer than the other?

Some people are born with one leg longer than the other. In other cases, injury or illness causes a discrepancy in leg length that may progress over time. This isn’t necessarily something to worry about, as a little variation is normal and likely won’t lead to any health issues.

Where do you measure functional leg length?

A “direct” measurement using a tape measure can be utilized to measure the “true” leg length from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the medial malleolus. The “apparent” leg length is measured from the umbilicus to the medial malleolus.