Have you been told you have a short leg? Perhaps you’ve noticed uneven shoe wear, a sense of imbalance, or recurring pain in your hips, knees, or lower back. While the idea of one leg being shorter than the other can be concerning, it’s more common than you might think, and many cases are manageable. As a chiropractor with over 30 years of experience, I’ve helped countless patients understand why they have a short leg and, most importantly, what can be done about it.
At Miracle Life Chiropractic, we specialise in identifying the cause of leg length discrepancies and providing effective solutions. Here’s what you should know:
Types of Short Leg & What You Can Do
True Leg Length Difference (Structural)
This occurs when one leg’s bone is genuinely shorter than the other, usually due to birth or injury.
What to do: A properly measured shoe lift or custom orthotic can help balance your pelvis and spine. Regular chiropractic adjustments can further support proper alignment and function.
Functional Leg Length Difference
This is more common and is caused by factors like muscle imbalances, pelvic tilts, or spinal misalignments.
What to do: Chiropractic adjustments can correct misalignments and restore balance to your body—often without the need for a shoe lift.
Don’t Guess—Get Assessed
Many people assume they have a short leg based solely on discomfort or posture. However, it’s important not to jump to conclusions.
What to do: A comprehensive postural, spinal, and gait assessment will determine the exact type and cause of your leg length discrepancy, allowing for a targeted solution.
Avoid Self-Prescribing Lifts
Using a shoe lift without a proper diagnosis can lead to further imbalances or pain in other areas of the body.
What to do: Always consult a chiropractor or healthcare provider before using shoe lifts or orthotic inserts to ensure they’re the right solution for your specific condition.
Stretch and Strengthen the Right Areas
Weak or tight muscles—especially around the hips, glutes, and lower back—can exacerbate imbalances, leading to more discomfort.
What to do: Targeted stretches and rehabilitation exercises can help address muscle imbalances and support long-term correction.
Support the Nervous System
A short leg can affect how your body moves and communicates between the brain and muscles, contributing to discomfort and imbalance.
What to do: Chiropractic adjustments help optimise nervous system function, allowing your body to adapt better and reducing the strain caused by imbalances.
You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not Stuck
Whether your leg length difference is structural or functional, there are solutions to help you feel better and move more comfortably. At Miracle Life Chiropractic, we focus on getting to the root cause, rather than just masking symptoms, so you can live your life in alignment, free from unnecessary pain.
Think you might have a short leg?
Book a posture and spinal check today. We’ll help you uncover the cause and create a personalized plan to keep you balanced, strong, and thriving.