Leg Length Discrepancy
It is common for people to have one leg longer than the other. In fact, it is more typical to be asymmetrical than it is to be symmetrical! It is a regular occurrence for patients to tell me that their right knee hurts because they run or that a doctor told them that their left foot hurts because they ran too much. It does not matter if it is your right foot, right knee or hip. If your body part truly hurts because you ran why would it not hurt on both your right and left sides? You obviously ran on both feet and legs! When I point out to patients that one of their legs may be longer than the other thus causing them to put more pressure on one side they usually seem perplexed. “Don’t most people have one leg longer than the other” they ask? “Yes, they do. But most people don’t run as much as you or run at all” I have to point out. In fact, most Americans are overweight and do not even exercise much less run 20-30-50 miles a week. When you do a repetitive motion such as running, small anatomical and biomechanical discrepancies can cause big trouble. Medical studies have revealed that IN RUNNERS “As little as 3mm may be a primary cause of one-sided foot, leg, knee, hip or lower back pain and can possibly result in joint damage and arthritis”. The point is if you are sedentary and a classic “couch potato” who cares if one of your legs is longer, you are not using them anyway!
There are two types of leg length discrepancies. Anatomical leg length inequality which is a result of the bones (Femur and Tibia) not growing symmetrically and functional leg length inequality which is caused by muscular tightness, weakness and imbalance. The only way to decipher which one you have (you can have both) is by a physical measurement and series of biomechanical tests. It is actually a simple process and gets to the true cause of some runners chronic foot, knee, hip and back pain. After the muscles are tested and the legs are measured it may be necessary to get a special X-ray that measures both of your thighs (Femurs) and legs (Tibias). The X-ray is read by a medical radiologist who provides a report of the actual difference down to the micrometer leaving zero room for error. Once the difference is known the solution is actually quite simple. Additional full length inserts are added to the shorter side bringing the runner closer to symmetrical. Heel lifts do not work in runners because when you run you may land on your heel but the rest of the time you are on your forefoot then your toes pushing off.
When the “quick fixes” fail and you are at your wits end the San Diego Running Institute can refer you to Dr. Victor J. Runco. He is an ultramarathon runner and running injury specialist. When you have seen other doctors, chiropractors and therapists to no avail and you have chronic foot pain, knee pain, hip pain or back pain that continues to frustrate you simply call Dr. Runco at 619-265-2222 for an appointment to diagnose you and get rid of your chronic condition.
