Why is one pant leg longer than the other?

The cause of these problems usually isn't due to actual differences in leg/limb length; rather, it's due to an imbalanced or misaligned pelvis which can pull and spasm the irritated/painful side out of alignment.


Why is one pant leg shorter than the other?

When one leg is longer than the other, it can be due to misalignment or tilting in body parts such as the hip, pelvis, knee, foot or ankle. “It's pretty common -- (more) than you think,” Langford said. “Something like a third of people have close to a half-inch difference, side to side.

How do you fix uneven leg length?

Wearing a lift in the shoe worn on the shorter leg can help reduce back pain and improve the ability to walk with a normal gait. This is the usual treatment for mild leg length discrepancy (less than 2 centimeters). In more severe cases, surgery to even out the leg length might be considered.


Is it normal for one leg to be a little longer than the other?

Having one leg longer than the other is relatively common. The condition is known as leg length discrepancy. Some research indicates that 40–70% of people have some form of leg length discrepancy (LLD). The differences in leg length can range from a fraction of an inch to several inches.

Does leg length discrepancy get worse with age?

Depending on how old a child is and the cause of the discrepancy, the difference may stay the same or get worse as the child grows.


Do You Have One Longer Leg? How to Tell and What to Do.



What causes uneven leg length in adults?

Most cases of unequal leg length are congenital conditions (those people are born with). But other, acquired cases may be caused by traumas or infections that damage bone growth plates, poorly healed bone fractures, or bone tumors, all of which can affect growth and cause one leg to be shorter than the other.

Can uneven leg length cause hip pain?

As your body compensates and starts moving and using muscles differently, your risk for straining and overloading muscles and joints increases. For those whose leg length differences are big enough to cause symptoms, they may experience: Hip pain.

Is unequal leg length a disability?

If less than 5 cm, disability is negligible." A discrepancy of less than 4 cm is tolerable." It seems that 34 cm is the critical amount of shortening in an adult." With a discrepancy of 2.5 cm or more the discrepancy becomes more noticeable....


Can leg length discrepancy correct itself after hip replacement?

Before surgery, arthritis may have already affected the leg length and the body has compensated for this discrepancy. However, after surgery corrects the problem, it can lead to a perceived lengthening of the leg. This perception will correct itself as the patient adjusts to proper alignment.

Which hip will hurt if one leg is shorter than the other?

Unequal leg lengths cause the pelvis to move abnormally. This is evidenced by the waddling gait of someone with a hip problem. This waddling gait helps remove pressure on the painful hip. With leg-length discrepancy, either hip joint can cause pain, and usually both hip joints hurt to some degree.

What do misaligned hips feel like?

Hip alignment issues are diagnosed when hip and back issues are accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: Knee, ankle, or foot pain. Sciatica. Tightness or restrictions in the movement of the hips.


Can a chiropractor fix uneven hips?

The short answer to the question of whether your chiropractor can fix uneven hips is yes. Your chiropractor will be able to use their extensive training to uncover the cause of uneven hips and develop different ways that you can straighten any curvature.

How long does it take to realign my hips?

After about six to eight weeks, you'll notice significant improvements since the ligaments and joints are starting to heal. Also, it's fine if you can only meet with our chiropractors once a week during this period. We'll assess if you're on the right track of the treatment plan during every session.

How common is uneven leg length?

Leg length discrepancies are very common. In fact, many of us have a small difference in our leg lengths. However, most people don't notice the difference or require any treatment. When the difference measures more than 1.5 to 2.0 cm (5/8 of an inch), most physicians recommend having the discrepancy evaluated.


What does uneven leg length mean?

Unequal leg length (also termed leg length inequality, LLI or leg length discrepancy, LLD) is where the legs are either different lengths or appear to be different lengths because of misalignment. It has been estimated that at least 0.1% of the population have a difference greater than 20 mm (0.79 in).

Can a chiropractor fix uneven legs?

A Chiropractor Can Help with Leg Length Discrepancy

However, if you suffer from leg length discrepancy, your chiropractor will address the various misalignments he or she finds throughout your legs, hips, pelvis and spine by administering very specific chiropractic adjustments. He or she may also prescribe orthotics.

Should I go to the doctor for uneven hips?

To get back to a pain-free and active life, it is always best to understand why your hips and pelvis are misaligned. We recommend everyone see their primary care physician, spine doctor, or physical therapist as soon as symptoms begin to show.


Which side hurts with leg length discrepancy?

The side that appears shorter often has a “lateral pelvic tilt and a shortening of the lateral flexor muscles.” This sideways pull increases compression on the facet joints for the short side and decreases the space between the vertebra which can lead to pinched nerves (sciatica).

Why do chiropractors check leg length?

Some chiropractors check the leg length in the supine position (lying on your back) and some in the prone position (lying on your stomach). The main purpose of checking leg length is to determine potential postural distortions in the overall structure of the body.

Can a podiatrist help with leg length discrepancy?

Your local podiatrist is the expert in all things feet, and can diagnose as well as recommend solutions such as orthotics or shoes for leg length discrepancy. However what many people don't realise is that a leg length discrepancy may also arise later in life, following an injury and/or surgery.


What exercises fix uneven hips?

Exercises to Fix Uneven Hips
  • Hamstring stretch. ...
  • Hip flexor stretch. ...
  • Side lying leg lift: Lie on your left side, bend the left knee, and then extend your right leg so that it is in a straight line with the rest of your body. ...
  • Standing single leg balance. ...
  • Supine clamshell.


What are the symptoms of a misaligned pelvis?

When symptoms occur, they commonly include lower back pain, hip pain, leg pain, and gait problems. A tilted pelvis can also irritate the SI joint, causing inflammation. This may cause additional symptoms, including pain radiating to the buttocks, leg weakness, and numbness or tingling.

How do you test if your hips are out of alignment?

Steps to check alignment:

Straighten your legs slowly until you are flat on the table. Take your hands and find the front of your hip bones on both sides(the pointy part of your pelvis) Feel to see if one side is higher towards your chest than the other (if needed have someone else help you with this part)


How does a chiropractor realign your hips?

Through Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) techniques focused on rebalancing the body, chiropractors may help reposition the hips. Manual manipulation and mobilization therapy may improve flexibility, strength, and positioning of the hips to promote balance and realignment.