22/11/2025
Short leg syndrome, also known as leg length discrepancy, is a condition where one leg is shorter than the other. While subtle differences are common, significant discrepancies can lead to back hip knee pain due to compensation in posture and walking. Treatment options range from non-surgical methods like shoe lifts & orthotics to more invasive surgical procedures like leg lengthening for severe cases.
Anatomical: This is when a bone like the femur or tibia is naturally shorter or has stopped growing differently from the other leg. This can be congenital or acquired due to factors like
Fractures that don't heal properly
Bone infections
Bone tumors
Functional: This is when the legs appear to have different lengths but structurally they are the same. This often results from soft tissue issues like muscular or ligamentous problems that create an imbalance
Symptoms and effects
Back, hip, and knee pain
Changes in posture and walking patterns
Functional scoliosis
Arthritis in the hip
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis: A doctor will typically perform a physical exam and use precise imaging techniques like scanograms to accurately measure the discrepancy and identify its cause.
Non-surgical treatment: These are often the first step and include:
Shoe inserts or lifts: A lift can be added to the heel of the shorter shoe to equalize leg length.
Orthotics: These custom-made shoe inserts can support proper mechanics and help equalize leg length.
