If you're grappling with foot or leg pain on a daily basis, you might be surprised to discover that the solution could be as simple as adding orthotics to your favorite shoes. For those affected by leg length discrepancy, orthotics can make all the difference in reducing the constant discomfort and pain when walking or standing that you’re used to.
What is leg length discrepancy?
Leg length discrepancy is more common than many people realize. It occurs when one leg is slightly longer than the other, which can happen for a few different reasons. Some people are born with this condition, while others develop it over time due to growth patterns, injuries, or surgeries. In some cases, conditions like scoliosis or hip dysplasia may also contribute to discrepancies in leg length.
The difference in leg length can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Regardless of the extent, this imbalance can significantly impact your body’s biomechanics, leading to misalignment and discomfort when others experience little to none.
Symptoms of leg length discrepancy
The symptoms of leg length discrepancy depend on the degree of difference between each leg and the body's ability to compensate for it. Common symptoms include back pain, hip pain, and knee pain as the body bears weight unevenly on one side in response to the uneven length of the legs. You might also experience noticeable limping, uneven gait patterns, or difficulty maintaining balance.
The more chronic conditions you might experience with different leg lengths include increased fatigue and difficulty engaging in physical activities. Over time, the constant stress on the body may contribute to potential long-term issues, including arthritis or chronic pain. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward seeking relief and restoring balance to your daily routine.
Orthotics for leg length difference
Some people find relief by simply wearing two different shoes or removing parts of one in an attempt to compensate for one leg being shorter than the other. And while generic or over-the-counter insoles can help, they don’t always fit every shoe you own and may not be designed with your lifestyle in mind. For example, people who play sports may go through insoles very quickly, or people who feel the most discomfort when standing for long periods just can’t get the right kind of fit or support they need.
Orthotics, on the other hand, offer a precise fit and can be adjusted to accommodate your specific needs, making them an ideal choice for anyone struggling with leg length discrepancy. Custom orthotics are custom-designed inserts for your shoes that precisely balance the difference in leg length, providing necessary support and alignment for both mild and moderate leg length discrepancy. Unlike generic shoe inserts, Biocorrect orthotics are tailored to your unique foot structure, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness for the long run, even as they wear down over time.
Getting custom orthotics from home
Biocorrect is proud to offer the custom orthotic solution you need from anywhere in the US. After meeting with one of our pedorthists in a virtual appointment, you’ll receive a kit in the mail to make an impression of your feet. This impression is then sent back to our facility, where we analyze it to create shoe inserts tailored precisely to your foot shape and leg length difference.
Living with leg length discrepancy isn’t as debilitating as others might think, but it can contribute to chronic fatigue, aches, pains, and lifestyle changes that add up, especially over time. Take the first step in finding a solution that’s perfect for your lifestyle by requesting an appointment with our team to learn more about how we can make leg length discrepancy orthotics for you.
