Leg length discrepancy can go completely unnoticed throughout life. However, if left untreated, it risks causing injury to runners. Some discrepancies also lead to injuries or malformations in childhood. Even muscle problems can cause temporary discrepancies, treatable with a series of gymnastic movements and strengthening exercises. Learn to evaluate both types and see your doctor if you believe you have a shorter leg.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Check if the Discrepancy is Muscular in Nature
Step 1. Realize that most leg length discrepancies are caused by problems with the connective tissue and muscles
By favoring one leg, there is the possibility that the structure of one develops differently from the other and that there is a visible inequality.
Step 2. Lie on your back with your legs out and your arms at your sides
Gently swing your hips from side to side for about a minute. This movement should help you relax your hips, back, and legs.
Step 3. Ask a friend to grab your ankles from below
The thumbs may be close to the top of the shin, while the other toes should be gripping just above the heel.
Step 4. Ask your friend to do a gentle pull
It should lift you up and gently pull you towards it for about 15 seconds. Repeat once.
Step 5. Ask him to compare the position of the ankles
If it is uniform in both, the legs are likely to be the same length. Move on to the other tests in the next section.
Step 6. Do a series of movements with the lower limbs, if any of the previous tests showed a discrepancy
- Start with a pelvic exercise. Lie on your back and bend your knees, one at a time. Lift your feet and hug your thighs and calves. Raise your knees towards you to bend your pelvis, then release. Repeat 15 times.
- Move your hips. Lie on your side with a chair just above your feet. Put one foot on the chair. Carefully lift the other leg until it meets the underside of the chair. Make sure you stay still with the rest of your body, hardening your abs. Repeat 20 times. After that, switch sides.
- Work with your knees. Sit in a chair with your knees and legs bent 90 degrees. Lift one leg until it is straight, and hold it like this for five seconds. Slowly lower it. Repeat 10 times and then switch legs.
- Move your soleus muscles. Sit back in the chair. Put a weight on the top of each thigh. Raise your heel until you come to rest completely on your toes, preventing it from rocking left and right. Slowly lower it to the ground. Repeat 10 times and then switch legs.
Step 7. Repeat the tests you just performed with your friend, starting with the swing of the hips
Then, switch to traction and check the symmetry of the legs. Your leg and back muscles are likely to be more flexible and more likely to distribute balance.
Step 8. If these exercises haven't loosened your muscles, move on to further evaluations to check the leg length discrepancy and change the appearance of this difference
Method 2 of 2: Check Leg Length
Step 1. Find a friend to assist you with these tests
Eventually they should be followed up by a doctor or physiotherapist who can suggest treatments or other tests.
Step 2. Lie on your back with your legs extended
Your arms should rest at your sides.
Step 3. Swing your hips from side to side for 15 seconds
Step 4. Have your friend do a gentle leg pull
It should grab your ankles, lift your legs, and pull gently for 15 to 30 seconds.
Step 5. Compare your ankles by placing your thumbs directly on top and seeing if they are on the same level
Step 6. Bend your feet to see if the soles match
Step 7. Stand up and straighten your legs
Check if the ankles and soles match. If not, there may be a difference between the legs.
Step 8. Bend your knees and bring them both into the same position
Your friend should check that the feet are even. Compare the height of the knees.
If one knee is higher than the other, it means that a femur is longer or shorter
Step 9. Visit your doctor and repeat these tests with a qualified professional
It may be necessary to undergo an x-ray to accurately find a discrepancy in the length of the legs. Leg length discrepancy can be treated with physiotherapy.
