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How Custom Orthotics Relieve Pain From Leg Length Discrepancy

How Custom Orthotics Relieve Pain From Leg Length Discrepancy

by | Jan 29, 2020 | Informational, Orthotics

If you have a leg length discrepancy, you are not alone. Approximately 90% percent of the population has some anatomic leg-length asymmetry, also known as anisomelia (LLD).

Having a leg length discrepancy does not always mean that you will suffer from mobility issues, however, a majority of cases have a large impact on the body’s biomechanical system and can result in numerous gait problems including back pain, imbalances, and much more.

The problem with leg discrepancy is if it goes untreated, it could eventually lead to arthritis of the knee, hip, and even lower back spine.

If If you feel you may have a leg length discrepancy, it is important to see your doctor and discuss possible treatments and therapy, such as custom orthotics.

Keep on reading to learn more about leg length discrepancy and how custom orthotics can help to relieve your pain and help you enjoy life again.

What is Leg Length Discrepancy?

Leg Length discrepancy is a condition of uneven leg length, which can be characterized into two categories; functional and anatomical.

Functional leg length discrepancy is usually caused by poor joint posture, for example, where your knees knock together while standing. This causes an uneven alignment in all the structures, causing unbalanced muscle tension and length.

Anatomical leg length discrepancy typically happens during the growth and development of the child, this is a growth asymmetry. This creates an actual difference in length between the right and left femurs and/or the right and left tibias.

If gone untreated, leg length discrepancy can lead to problems such as:

  • Patellar tendinitis
  • Back pain
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Hip arthritis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Trochanteric bursitis
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Sacroiliac discomfort
  • Sciatica

As you can see, if gone untreated, several issues could develop from a leg length discrepancy. The longer you wait, the more problems you will experience.

Treatment For Leg Length Discrepancy

Thankfully, your chiropractor can use multiple modalities to help you re-align and adjust your leg discrepancy. The first and most important step is to prevent it from getting worse by immediately correcting the length difference.

This is where custom orthotics come in. By inserting the right custom orthotic into your daily shoes, you can immediately provide symmetry to your legs and feel relief from the discomfort you have been experiencing for years.

During this time of wearing the orthotics, your chiropractor will also provide treatments such as adjustments to help realign the spinal column, which would have been altered over time due to your LLD.

Your chiropractor will also give you a list of exercises to follow, that will help to strengthen the weakened muscles, stabilizers, and create more balance between your right and left sides.

Learn More About Custom Orthotics For Leg Length Discrepancy

Custom orthotics can help you to immediately find relief as you work together with your chiropractor to realign and adjust the asymmetry of your body.

To learn more about custom orthotics and how they can help you enjoy your life, pain-free, feel free to contact us at any time!

Importance of Foot Support and Leg Length Equality

Importance of Foot Support and Leg Length Equality

by | Feb 20, 2019 | Advice, Injury, Orthotics, Wellness

The Importance of Foot Support and Leg Length Equality

orthotics foot leg balance alignment pain posture

Just as the concrete foundation supports a house, your feet and legs are the foundation for your entire body. Seemingly small misalignments at your “foundation” can create large problems. This is a common issue seen in our clinic. 77% of people suffer from moderate to severe foot pronation, and 95% have some degree of leg length inequality.

When the arches of your feet are collapsed (also known as flat feet or pronation), or if one leg is a different length than the other, it affects the distribution of weight throughout the rest of your body. As a result, areas such as your knees, hips, back, and shoulders become strained.

Movement can also be distorted. Unequal leg length and collapsed arches in the feet causes a chain affect in the way you walk, and how your pelvis either stays stable or twists out of alignment. A misaligned pelvis causes muscle spasms and pain in the low back.

An easy step towards relief

At Amazing Life Chiropractic, we take detailed measurements of your feet, and assess your joint alignment and gait to prescribe custom-made orthotics. These shoe inserts support the unique needs of your individual feet and leg length, treating the source of the problem rather than just the symptoms. Dr. Gabby Soucy says, “At our office we prescribe special x-rays when warranted to determine the difference in length from one leg to another. Then we provide the appropriate size heel lift and custom-made orthotics to help straighten out the pelvis and reduce the risk of low back pain and re-injury.”

A 2017 study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation shows the custom prescription orthotic shoe inserts we use in our office, combined with chiropractic care, showed a 40.4% reduction in pain. This is a greatly welcomed pain relief that does not rely on medications, especially avoiding addictive opioids.

A helping hand for your feet

Is pain stopping you in your tracks? Allow us to be a helping hand for your feet. Schedule your appointment today for a consultation.

The Importance of Foot Support and Leg Length Equality

Just as the concrete foundation supports a house, your feet and legs are the foundation for your entire body. Seemingly small misalignments at your “foundation” can create large problems. This is a common issue seen in our clinic. 77% of people suffer from moderate to severe foot pronation, and 95% have some degree of leg length inequality.

When the arches of your feet are collapsed (also known as flat feet or pronation), or if one leg is a different length than the other, it affects the distribution of weight throughout the rest of your body. As a result, areas such as your knees, hips, back, and shoulders become strained.

Movement can also be distorted. Unequal leg length and collapsed arches in the feet causes a chain affect in the way you walk, and how your pelvis either stays stable or twists out of alignment. A misaligned pelvis causes muscle spasms and pain in the low back.

An easy step towards relief

At Amazing Life Chiropractic, we take detailed measurements of your feet, and assess your joint alignment and gait to prescribe custom-made orthotics. These shoe inserts support the unique needs of your individual feet and leg length, treating the source of the problem rather than just the symptoms. Dr. Gabby Soucy says, “At our office we prescribe special x-rays when warranted to determine the difference in length from one leg to another. Then we provide the appropriate size heel lift and custom-made orthotics to help straighten out the pelvis and reduce the risk of low back pain and re-injury.”

A 2017 study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation shows the custom prescription orthotic shoe inserts we use in our office, combined with chiropractic care, showed a 40.4% reduction in pain. This is a greatly welcomed pain relief that does not rely on medications, especially avoiding addictive opioids.

A helping hand for your feet

Is pain stopping you in your tracks? Allow us to be a helping hand for your feet. Schedule your appointment today for a consultation.