Limb Length Difference

Limb length difference, also known as limb length discrepancy (LLD), is a condition where one arm or leg is shorter than the other. While minor differences are common and often go unnoticed, significant discrepancies can lead to discomfort, mobility issues, and long-term musculoskeletal problems.

What is Limb Length Difference?

Limb length difference refers to a condition where paired limbs are of unequal lengths. The discrepancy can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters. In the lower limbs, even a small difference can affect gait and posture, leading to secondary complications over time.

Types of Limb Length Difference

Structural Limb Length Difference

This type is due to an actual physical shortening of a bone in the limb. Causes include congenital abnormalities, fractures, or diseases affecting bone growth.

 

Functional Limb Length Difference

In this case, the bones are equal in length, but due to muscular imbalances, joint contractures, or alignment issues, one limb functions as if it were shorter or longer.

Limb Length Difference - Elite Foot Care Sunshine Coast Podiatrists

Symptoms

  • Visible Difference: One leg or arm appears shorter than the other.
  • Gait Abnormalities: Limping or uneven walking patterns.
  • Back Pain: Due to compensatory posture adjustments.
  • Hip and Knee Pain: Increased stress on joints.
  • Fatigue: Extra effort required for movement.

Causes of Limb Length Difference

Limb length differences can be attributed to various factors, broadly categorised into congenital, developmental, and acquired causes.

Congenital Causes
  • Hemihypertrophy: One side of the body grows more than the other.
  • Congenital Hip Dysplasia: Improper formation of the hip joint affects leg length.
  • Fibular Hemimelia: Absence or shortening of the fibula bone in the leg.
 
Developmental Causes
  • Growth Plate Injuries: Damage to the growth plates during childhood can stunt bone growth.
  • Neuromuscular Disorders: Conditions like cerebral palsy can affect muscle tone and limb length.
 
Acquired Causes
  • Fractures: Improper healing of broken bones can result in length discrepancies.
  • Infections: Bone infections (osteomyelitis) can damage growth plates.
  • Arthritis: Joint degeneration can affect limb length and function.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment, typically diagnosis involves:

  • Physical Examination: Measuring limb lengths using a tape measure from fixed anatomical points.
  • Gait Analysis: Observing walking patterns.
  • X-Rays: Provide images of bone structure.

Limb Length Treatment Options

Most cases of intoeing resolve on their own without intervention. However, if improvement is not observed as the child grows, treatment may include:

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Custom Orthotics

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Gait and Running Assessments

Walking and running will be assessed with video analysis giving us the most accurate information to evaluate the patients upper body functions through to their lower limbs. The presenting injury/symptom will be assessed upon relevant medical history, conditions, occupational hazards and physical activities. Once a thorough medical screening has been

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Footwear Assessment

Footwear Assessments

Elite Foot Care have access to a broad range of footwear designed for all walks of life at our Woombye and Sippy Downs locations! As part of our podiatry service, our podiatrists are able to provide you with the suitable, recommended footwear options from our own footwear store. Alternatively we

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Footwear Modifications

Footwear modifications involve making specific adjustments to shoes to enhance their fit, comfort, functionality, and support. These modifications can address a range of foot and lower limb issues, helping to prevent pain and injury while promoting optimal foot health.

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Exercise Prescription

Exercise prescription using the VALD Performance Assessment system involves tailoring rehabilitation programs based on detailed biomechanical analysis. This approach allows for the design of progressive rehab programs aimed at addressing specific patient needs, optimising recovery, and enhancing overall performance.

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Complications of Untreated Limb Length Difference

  • Joint Degeneration: Uneven stress can lead to osteoarthritis.
  • Spinal Curvature: Development of scoliosis due to compensatory posture.
  • Muscle Imbalances: Leading to chronic pain and fatigue.
  • Reduced Mobility: Difficulty in performing daily activities.
 

Limb length difference is a manageable condition with proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve quality of life. If you suspect a limb length discrepancy, call our Sunshine Coast clinic on 075328 3588 or book online.

Jay Lewis Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Jarrod McGuinness Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Dean Taylor - Elite Foot Care
Daniel Neil - Elite Foot Care
Ajay Mahadev - Elite Foot Care Podiatrist
Josh Taylor - Elite Foot Care Podiatrist
Gabrielle Riach - Elite Foot Care

Our Therapists

Our team of Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections and more.

They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes. 

Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.

Benefits of a personalised treatment plan

Reduced Pain

Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.

Increased Strength

With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.

Become More Active

Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.

How it works

1. Schedule an Appointment

Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.

2. We Handle the Details

Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.

3. Be More Active With Less Pain

Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.

What you'll get...

Experienced Podiatrists

Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.

Comprehensive Consultations

Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.

Communication

Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.

Best Treatment Technology

We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care. 

On-site Manufacturing

Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.

Begin your journey to a pain free future.

Woombye Podiatrists

4/40 Wilson Avenue, Woombye, 4559

Sippy Downs Podiatrists

15 Fairfax Street, Sippy Downs, 4556
(level 2 in Fairfax Village building)