
19/10/2023
Leg Length Discrepancy: Structural vs. Functional 🦴
Ever wondered about the different types of leg length discrepancies? Let's shed some light on "Structural" vs. "Functional" short legs!
Q: What's a "Structural" short leg? A: This term refers to actual differences in bone length between your right and left legs. It's a physical distinction.
But here's where it gets interesting: Your bones, both above and below your knees, might be identical in length, even if you've been told otherwise! Or perhaps you've heard the term "Functional" leg length difference. This is a game-changer, and here's why it's crucial to know the difference:
A "Functional" leg length difference means there's a functional issue - it's not about the actual bone length. Often, this is related to a misaligned pelvis where the right and left sides aren't functioning the same, making one leg "appear" longer, though it's not in reality.
Some healthcare pros might just examine your feet when you're lying down and declare one leg shorter. But hold on...
Imagine this: You're buying two pieces of wood, and they must be exactly the same length. Would you only look at one end and hope for the best? Of course not! You'd measure both ends and check them side by side.
That's why at Advanced Therapeutics, we take precise measurements of your pelvis, the upper and lower bones of each leg separately. We never clump them together into one measurement just by looking at your feet!
Stay informed, and remember, understanding the type of leg length difference you have is crucial because treatment approaches vary. If you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out.