Functional leg length discrepancy (also known as Anisomelia) is a condition where one leg is slightly longer than the other. It’s estimated that up to 35% of adults have a 0.5 to 1.5-centimeter limb length discrepancy. With proper treatment, these individuals can function normally in terms of walking, exercising, and daily life.
At Align HC, our team of physiotherapists help people with LLD to live normal lives. We do this through regular stretches, exercises, and other treatments like:
- Custom orthotics and shoe lifts to compensate for the difference in leg length and improve balance.
- Manual therapy like hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and muscle function.
- Gait training techniques to correct walking patterns and to reduce strain on joints.
- Postural correction to improve spinal alignment and prevent secondary issues.
- Strength and stability exercises that target core and lower limb muscles to enhance support.
- Shockwave therapy for pain relief and improved tissue healing in chronic cases.
Since LLD can affect the way you walk and exercise, we’ve put together all the information you need to understand this condition. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have functional leg length discrepancy, here’s what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Functional LLD is different to Anatomical LLD, where Functional LLD has more to do with muscles, while Anatomical LLD has to do with bone structure.
- FLLD is mainly caused by bad posture habits, but can also be brought on by injury, arthritis, and misaligned joints.
- Signs of FLLD include skeletal discomfort, back and spine strain, and problems with walking.
- Many treatments are available for FLLD, including physiotherapy, stretching exercises, and orthotics.
What’s the Difference Between Anatomical LLD and Functional LLD?
The difference between anatomical LLD and Functional LLD are as follows:
- Anatomical Leg Length Discrepancy refers to a significant difference in bone length between the two legs.
- Functional Leg Length Discrepancy is a smaller (sometimes perceived) difference in leg length due to a muscular imbalance or a joint misalignment.
| Feature | Anatomical LLD | Functional LLD |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Difference in bone length | Muscular imbalances or joint misalignment |
| Common Causes | Congenital conditions Fractures Bone growth disorders Surgeries | Pelvic tilts Scoliosis Muscle tightness Hip or knee dysfunction Foot pronation |
| Measurement | X-rays or measuring from hip to ankle | Physical examination posture and movement analysis |
| Key Difference | Actual difference in bone length | Legs appear different due to posture or muscle issues |
| Treatment | Orthotics Shoe lifts Surgery | Physical therapy Stretching Chiropractic care |
What Causes Functional Leg Length Discrepancy?
The causes of Functional Leg Length Discrepancy include muscular imbalances like pulled hamstrings, weak core muscles, and lower back issues. FLLD can also be caused by injury, a misaligned joint (sometimes after hip replacement surgery), a pelvic tilt, or a knee or ankle misalignment.
Posture also plays a large role in causing FLLD. Scoliosis affects the spine, and may lead to eventual Leg Length Discrepancy. People who fail to walk or stand up straight for long periods of time may also develop FLLD through uneven weight distribution or too much sitting and lying down.
Medical conditions like arthritis, and even neurological issues, can also cause Leg Length Discrepancy. When the spaces between joints begin to narrow because of arthritis, the difference between the two legs may be perceived unequal, causing short leg gait.
What are Common Symptoms of Functional Leg Length Discrepancy?
Common symptoms that may point to Functional Leg Length Discrepancy include skeletal discomfort, issues with walking (gait problems), and muscle imbalances during activity. People with FLLD also experience strain in their spines, and may also feel stiffness in their backs when they sit for long periods.
| Symptom Category | Common Symptoms | Who It May Affect |
|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal Discomfort | Lower back pain often on one side Hip pain or tightness in the shorter leg Knee discomfort from uneven weight distribution Ankle or foot pain from overpronation | Athletes Office workers Manual laborers Older adults People with previous injuries |
| Postural and Gait Issues | Uneven hips or shoulders when standing Tilting of the pelvis Limping or altered walking pattern Increased wear on one side of shoes | Runners Dancers People with poor posture Those who stand or walk for long periods |
| Muscle Imbalances | Tight hamstrings or hip flexors on one side Weak gluteal muscles affecting pelvic stability Uneven leg or core muscle development | Gym-goers Sedentary individuals People recovering from injury Those with uneven training habits |
| Joint and Spine Strain | Scoliosis or spinal curvature from compensation Increased stress on one knee or hip Stiffness in the lower back after sitting or standing | Teenagers with scoliosis Office workers Elderly individuals Those with chronic pain conditions |
What Treatments are Available for Functional Leg Length Discrepancy?
Treatments that are available for Functional Leg Length Discrepancy include:
- Orthotic inserts for the patients shoes
- Regular physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Stretching and strengthening exercises at home or with a physiotherapist
- Habit-forming posture corrections
- Massage therapy
- Surgical intervention in rare, more severe cases
Consult with the helpful staff at Align HC for FLLD a diagnosis, treatment options, and advice. We can recommend stretching exercises, posture correcting assistance, and other recommendations that will help you cope with this condition.
Functional Leg Length Discrepancy | FAQs
Can Functional Leg Length Discrepancy cause back pain?
Yes, Functional Leg Length Discrepancy can cause back pain due to uneven weight distribution. The spine is affected by the surrounding muscles, causing misalignment. This leads to back stiffness, chronic pain, and further posture problems that cause the pain to worsen over time.
Can Functional Leg Length Discrepancy affect athletic performance?
Yes, Functional Leg Length Discrepancy can affect athletic performance. Because of the misalignment of muscles, an athlete may struggle with balance. Injury risk is also increased with FLLD, as well as a lack of endurance, stamina, and agility. As FLLD progresses due to a neglect to get treatment, overall movement will be negatively affected.
What are the long-term effects of untreated Functional Leg Length Discrepancy?
The long-term effects of untreated Functional Leg Length Discrepancy is chronic pain in the ankles, legs, feet, hip, and back. Because the body is moving abnormally, these areas are affected, and will only worsen over time if not addressed. Eventually, posture health will also suffer, possibly leading to the need for surgery.
Can Functional Leg Length Discrepancy be prevented?
Yes, Functional Leg Length Discrepancy can be prevented, but not always. Some causes are out of your control, such as injury, disease, or lifestyle habits that affect your posture. However, you can prevent FLLD by practicing good posture, exercising regularly, and stretching every day.
Back to top: Functional Leg Length Discrepancy
