Short Leg
Short Leg
Walking with a short leg is like driving a car with two different size tires on the back. This causes the pelvis to be low one side. This can produce a curve in your spine (scoliosis) which may lead to back pain and early arthritic changes. It can also lead to knee and hip pain.
Knee/Hip/Sciatic Pain Resulting From Uneven Legs
Leg length inequality puts stress on knees, hips and spine.
• The knee is stressed on the short leg.
• The hip is stressed on the long leg.
• Sciatica most commonly occurs down the long leg.
Reference: Friberg O. Biomechanics and clinical significance of unrecognized leg length inequality. Man Med 1983;21(4):83.
2 Types of Short Legs
People may have an anatomically short leg or a functionally short leg.
Anatomical Short Leg
These people have a leg that developed shorter than the other. Correction requires a heel lift or build up of the shoe.
Functional Short Leg
These people can have unequal leg length for various reasons. It may be from muscle contraction or spasm that is either chronic or acute. Injury or even surgery can initiate the muscle contraction. Another common cause is related to the feet. If one arch has fallen more than the other, it can cause a short leg on that side.
Treatment
For a functionally short leg, correction with chiropractic treatment and exercise may get rid of the muscle contraction and take care of the problem. If it results from a fallen arch, then orthotics are recommended. There may be permanent changes because of injury, surgery, or arthritic change. In those cases, a heel lift is often used.
Note about Heel Lifts – If you wear a heel lift for correction, you need to wear it almost all the time. Do not go barefoot or in shoes without the lift for long periods. Part-time use leads to instability. Your body gets confused about how it is supposed to function, and you may have worse symptoms than not using a lift at all.
INTRODUCING
THE MOST ADVANCED COX TABLE EVER DESIGNED
We are pleased to announce the addition of the most advanced Cox decompression table ever designed, to our office! The Cox 8 Force Table is a state of the art instrument. Built in sensors send data to a computer, giving the doctor real-time information about the amount of decompressive force being applied.
Discuss your case with the doctor to see if you are a candidate for treatment.
Phone
+913-345-9247
Location
11791 W 112th Street #101
Overland Park, KS 66210
drbob@overlandchiro.com
Office Hours
M-W: 8am - 6pm
Th: 1pm - 6pm
F: 8am - 12pm
S-S: Closed