26/03/2025
Were you told you have one leg shorter ?🛑Leg Length Discrepancy: Structural vs. Functional
Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is when one leg appears shorter than the other, but not all cases are true bone shortening. There are two types:
🦴 Structural Shortening (True LLD)
✔️ A physical difference in bone length(femur or tibia)
✔️ Can be caused by genetics, fractures, surgery, or growth plate issues
✔️ The only way to confirm it is through a lower limb X-ray !
✔️ May require orthotics, shoe lifts, or medical intervention if significant
💪 Functional Shortening (False LLD)**
✔️ The bones are the same length, but the body is out of alignment
✔️ Caused by:
- Pelvic tilt or rotation
- Tight muscles(hip flexors, quadratus lumborum, adductors)
- Scoliosis or postural imbalances
✔️ Can be corrected by **aligning the pelvis, releasing tight muscles, and improving posture**
**🔎 Misdiagnosis Alert!**
If someone told you, "one leg is shorter" just from a test on a treatment table—it’s likely a functional issue not structural. Proper assessment is key!
💡 Before assuming you need a heel lift, try realigning your body first.Most cases can be improved with myofascial release, bodywork, and movement therapy!
