Leg Length Discrepancy: An Alternative and Natural Treatment

What is Leg Length Discrepancy?

Leg length discrepancy (LLD), or anisomelia, is a condition in which one leg is shorter than the other. The condition can be caused by muscle weakness or tightness, a birth defect, or other factors. LLD can often be treated effectively with upper cervical chiropractic care. However, in serious cases, patients may need to correct the discrepancy with Silastic rod surgery. 

LLD is not always noticeable, but having one leg shorter than the other can cause a wide range of problems. People with LLD may have difficulty walking, sitting, or standing. Some people with LLD have difficulty doing routine activities, such as getting in and out of a car, getting up from a chair, or doing household chores.

Signs and Symptoms of Leg Length Discrepancy

As you would expect, the defining symptom of LLD is the length difference between the legs. People with LLD often have a difference of half a centimeter or more, but there is no upper limit. The condition can cause a wide range of mobility issues and secondary symptoms, including difficulty walking and difficulty sitting or standing.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Effects LLD

The upper cervical spine has a significant role in the development and maintenance of LLD. The upper cervical spine has a major influence on the proper function of the hip and knee joints and is involved in the formation and function of the pelvis. However, because of its location at the top of the spinal column, dysfunction in the upper cervical spine is often overlooked as an underlying cause of LLD.

For instance, if the upper cervical spine is misaligned, the transfer of weight between the lower back and the pelvis will be impaired. Absent intervention, this imbalance can lead to changes in muscle tone in the leg and lower back, often resulting in a shortening in pelvis and leg lengths.

How Our LLD Treatment Works

The first step in our LLD treatment is to determine the cause of your condition. If LLD is the result of a birth defect, treatment options may be more limited. However, if the root of your condition is muscle weakness, vertebral misalignment, or neurological dysfunction, upper cervical chiropractic care may be able to alleviate or even eliminate your symptoms. 

To identify whether you are suffering from a misalignment in the upper cervical spine, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Hoefer, will examine your spinal column using digital X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans. 

If a misalignment is found, Dr. Hoefer will target the affected area with a series of upper cervical adjustments to restore the spine to its proper alignment. Using a combination of different realignment techniques, including joint manipulation and soft tissue therapy, our chiropractors will correct any muscle weakness or tightness that may be contributing to your condition. The goal of this adjustment program is to allow the body to regain proper function and mobilize the joints, allowing the pelvis and legs to return to their proper size and shape.

If you’re looking for a natural treatment for LLD, we’re here to help! Dr. Hoefer services patients in Orange County, including Anaheim, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.