Leg Length Discrepancy – Causes, Symptoms & Podiatry Treatment
Leg Length Discrepancy: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
Have you noticed one pant leg always feels shorter? Or maybe you've experienced recurring lower back pain or hip discomfort for no clear reason? You might be dealing with Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD)—a condition where one leg is shorter than the other.
Leg length differences are surprisingly common. In fact, most people have a minor discrepancy of up to 1 cm that causes no issues. But when the difference is larger, it can affect posture, walking, and cause pain throughout the body.
Types of Leg Length Discrepancy
There are two main types of LLD:
1. Structural (True) LLD
This is when the bones in one leg are physically shorter than the other. It may be:
Present from birth
Caused by injury (like a poorly healed fracture)
Due to conditions like hip replacement or growth plate damage
2. Functional (Apparent) LLD
Here, both legs are the same length, but postural issues or muscle imbalances cause one leg to function as if it's shorter. This can result from:
Pelvic tilt
Scoliosis
Flat feet or high arches
Poor walking habits
Common Symptoms of LLD
Even a small difference in leg length can lead to:
Hip, knee, or lower back pain
Uneven shoe wear
Muscle fatigue or tightness
A limping or uneven gait
Postural problems, including a tilted pelvis or curved spine
If you’re physically active, these symptoms may appear earlier and more noticeably.
How Is It Diagnosed?
At Relief Podiatry in Lakemba, we assess leg length through:
Visual posture and gait assessment
Tape measurements (from pelvis to ankle)
Footwear wear patterns
Functional assessments
Referral for standing scan if needed
We also evaluate the function of the feet, knees, hips, and spine—because everything is connected!
Podiatry Treatment Options
Podiatrists are often the first health professionals to notice leg length discrepancies. Here's how we help manage it:
👟 Custom Orthotics
If a functional imbalance is contributing to the issue, custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure and support your gait more evenly.
🧱 Heel Lifts
A heel lift can be placed in the shoe of the shorter leg to even out the height difference. These are custom-fit and gradually increased if needed.
🥾 Footwear Advice
Proper shoes with good support—and room for any lifts or orthotics—are essential. We can recommend brands and even modify shoes where necessary.
🤸 Stretching & Strengthening
We may prescribe a tailored exercise program to address tight hips, core instability, or poor posture, often in collaboration with physiotherapists.
🧑⚕️ Referrals
In significant discrepancies (usually >20 mm), we may refer you to an orthopedic specialist for further evaluation and imaging.
When Should You Seek Help?
If you're experiencing pain, recurring injury, or posture problems—and you've never had your leg lengths checked—it's worth booking a podiatry appointment. Early diagnosis and management can prevent long-term problems.
Why Choose Relief Podiatry in Lakemba?
Our friendly, experienced podiatry team has helped many patients in Lakemba and surrounding suburbs manage leg length discrepancies effectively. Whether your concerns are pain-related, posture-based, or related to an old injury or surgery, we offer a holistic, evidence-based approach tailored to your unique body.
We welcome families, active individuals, and those on NDIS or WorkCover to experience thorough and compassionate care.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you suspect a leg length issue or have ongoing hip, knee, or back pain, don’t wait. Book an assessment with one of our podiatrists today. We’re just a 4-minute walk from Lakemba Train Station, directly across from Woolworths on Lakemba Street.
