Leg length discrepancy can be one of two types. One type is structural, where there is an actual, physical difference between the same bones in each limb. For example, a femur or other specific bone may actually be shorter in one leg than in the other. The other kind of leg length discrepancy is called a functional discrepancy. In a functional discrepancy, bones in the leg are of equal length, but some other factor creates a discrepancy. This is often related to muscle tightness which creates a problem in symmetry.

Symptoms of Leg Length Discrepancy

A slight difference in leg length may not lead to symptoms; however, significant discrepancies can affect the quality of life, make some activities difficult, and even harm other bone structures. Here are some symptoms people may experience with leg length discrepancy:

• Limping

• Gait Problems

• Stress Fractures

• Osteoarthritis

• Joint Pain

• Back Pain

• Hip Pain

Exercises for Leg Length Discrepancy Symptoms

To ease symptoms you can try out some exercises that can help build strength and improve flexibility. You should talk to your doctor when starting a new exercise program and begin slowly, building in intensity in order to avoid injury.

Sidekicks

1. Stand straight with feet shoulder length apart. Make fists and draw your arms back so that your hands are in front of your chest, in a defensive position.

2. Lean to the side so that your body weight is resting on your longer leg. Inhale deeply, bend and lift the leg that is shorter until your knee is at the same height as your hip, keeping your foot pointed straight ahead of you.

3. Exhale, kicking your shorter leg out and to the side, flexing the leg fully, and keeping your foot at the same height.

4. Return to the position in step #2, and repeat four to five times.

This exercise may take some practice, so take it slow and don’t strain yourself. Work up to multiple sets a day and slightly raise the height of your kicks as you become more comfortable with the exercise.

Hamstring Stretch

Try out hamstring stretches to lengthen the muscles in your upper leg. Perform this stretch near a couch or at the corner of a wall.

1. Lie on your back on the floor.

2. Keep your longer leg on the floor and put your shorter leg against the arm of a couch or against a wall, keeping the leg elongated. You can gently push the knee so that the raised leg is as straight as possible. You should feel a stretch in the back of the raised leg.

3. Hold the position for 10 seconds when you are first starting this exercise and work up to tolerating the hold for 30 seconds.

4. Repeat four to five times for a complete set.

Try to do at least two sets a day of this exercise. The tension should be a comfortable stretch, not painful. Lower the intensity if you feel discomfort.

Hip Adductor Stretch

1. Lie down on your back, placing your feet together, with your soles flat on the ground.

2. Slowly allow your knees to fall to the sides, noticing a gentle stretch through your inner thigh.

3. Hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds and repeat four to five times.

Alternatively, you could do a hip adductor stretch in the seated position:

1. Sit cross-legged on the ground. Your feet should be placed so the soles are together.

2. Let your knees fall to the side to feel the gentle stretch in the inner thigh.

3. Deepen the stretch by leaning your torso forward. Keep your upper body straight and move slowly to prevent strain.

4. Hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds and repeat four to five times.

Hip Flexor Stretch

For a simple exercise for your hamstrings, lower back, and upper thigh, try a knee to chest stretch.

1. Lie on your back with both of your legs extended.

2. Slowly pull one knee to your chest, while keeping the other leg straight. Make sure to keep your lower back pressed to the ground.

3. Hold the stretch for 30 to 90 seconds.

4. Repeat with the other leg. Do four to five repetitions of the stretch.

Surgical Treatment for Leg Length Discrepancy

Exercises for leg length discrepancy can sometimes help with pain and mobility issues, but exercises will never be able to compensate or change a limb discrepancy. Especially if your leg length discrepancy is significant (more than 1.5 centimeters) or causing stress fractures, pain, or other issues, exercises may not make a significant quality of life difference, and limb lengthening surgery may be recommended.

Contact a Trusted Expert for Help

At Height Lengthening Institute, our specialists are able to provide a proper diagnosis and treatment for leg length discrepancy and other complex orthopedic conditions. Our experts, led by Dr. Shahab Mahboubian, are highly skilled and have received the best training from renowned orthopedic institutions.