The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should See a Pedorthist
It is not always obvious how important our feet and the mechanics of how our bodies align are until we start to experience pain or
Leg Length Discrepancy
Don’t let constant pain slow you down, or stop you from doing the activities you love.
What is a leg length discrepancy?
A leg length discrepancy is exactly how it sounds, a difference in the length of your legs. They can be described as either structural discrepancies or functional discrepancies. Structural leg length discrepancies are when your leg bones (femur, tibia, fibula) are longer than the ones of your opposing leg. This can be congenital, or result from an injury or surgery. Functional leg length discrepancies are when there is a muscular or alignment problem, which creates the appearance and sensation of a leg length discrepancy due to compensation. This results from tight musculature which can elevate the pelvis on one side, over pronation of the foot on one side, or scoliosis.
Symptoms:
- Poor balance
- Pain in lumbar spine
- Trouble bending over
Risk Factors:
- Improper fitting footwear
- Heavy lifting
- Improper lift height (in shoes)
- Being overweight or obese - increased strain on joints
Treatment Options:
- Stretching and strengthening of leg muscles
- Custom foot orthotics
- Shoe lifts - either internal or external
What are the next steps?
Book an appointment with one of our Certified Pedorthists to determine a personalized treatment plan to help you Move Well, Be Well.
Learn more from the Orthoquest Blog
What is a Pedorthist?
Arguably one of the most common questions we get asked is “You’re a Pe…dor-what?!” Not too many people have ever heard the term before let