A functional leg length can be caused by a multitude of problems…for example
1/Shortening of soft tissues;(tightness of muscles)
2/Joint contractures from repetitive trauma e.g facet lock in the back
3/Ligamentous laxity;
4/Foot biomechanics (such as excessive ankle pronation).
If your a runner this can cause serious issues …
In running, the vertical oscillation is greater than walking and as there is no double support the weight is not shared between legs. The stance phase is only 30% in running whereas 60% in walking. This results in stress on the lower extremity that is three times that of walking
Associated musculoskeletal disorders
1/Low back pain
Literature is very ambiguous. LLD appears to affect the lumbar spine, at least in part, by creating a lumbar scoliosis. It has been shown that LLD leads to pelvic obliquity on the frontal plane inducing a scoliosis. Lumbosacral facet joint angles appear to be smaller on the short side, it is hypothesised that asymmetry of joint angles predispose patients to osteoarthritic changes in lumbosacral joints.
2/Hip pain
A longer leg might be a predisposing factor in Osteoarthritis (OA). With length increasing, femoral head contact/ weight bearing area is decreasing. (+10mm- 5%/ +50mm – 25,1%). Combined with an increased tone in hip abductors caused by elongated distance between origin and insertion.
3/Stress Fractures
Greater incidence of stress fractures in the tibia, metatarsals and femur of the longer leg appears consistent with the greater forces emitted trough the longer leg described under hip pain.
Speak to the professionals if unsure
www.rotheryhealth.com
