A condition in which one leg is shorter than the other is called short leg syndrome. Different leg lengths are a common occurrence in both an adult and a child. According to the International Classification of Diseases of the 10th revision (ICD-10), defects that shorten the lower limb are classified as class Q 72. Even if the length of one lower limb is only 4–5 mm longer than the other, it can still lead to different disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

The difference in leg length of about 5 centimeters is visible externally. In a person suffering from this disorder, gait is disturbed, lameness appears. If one leg is up to 5 cm shorter than the other, it is almost imperceptible outwardly due to the tilt of the pelvis and the curvature of the spine. In addition to posture disorders, changes in gait, the patient is also worried about pain in the joints, spine. A problem that does not receive proper treatment can eventually lead to diseases such as arthrosis, bursitis, etc.

There are several types of shortening lower limbs: anatomical (due to a decrease in the length of the bone), relative (dislocation, decrease in joint mobility), combined. Various growth disorders, in which there is a delay or accelerated growth, can affect the length of both limbs.

The reasons provoking the occurrence of such a phenomenon as different leg lengths include the following:

1. Congenital shortening of the leg due to intrauterine fetal developmental disorders (according to ICD-10 Q65-Q79). In this case, such pathologies as clubfoot, hip dislocation, hemophilic hemarthrosis develop. Dislocations and deformities of the hip in a child are possible, which in the future may lead to adverse consequences (ICD-10 Q65).
2. Inflammation (tuberculosis, arthritis, elephantiasis, vein thrombosis of the lower extremities).
3. Neuropathic factors (cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis).
4. Tumors.
5. Traumatic shortening. It is associated with damage to special growth zones that are located at the ends of the tibia and femur. With such damage, the child experiences a slowdown in the growth of one or both limbs. In childhood, due to the growth of the child, such a shortening develops and worsens, while in adults it remains unchanged.

If one leg is shorter than the other, then the load on the spine is unevenly distributed. The spine begins to bend, osteochondrosis appears. Twisting of the pelvis is observed, as well as a reversal of the fifth lumbar vertebra.

With this violation, there may be a shortening of both one section of the lower limb (thigh or lower leg), and all sections at the same time. According to ICD-10, longitudinal shortening of the femur is classified as ICD-10Q72.4, longitudinal shortening of the tibia ICD-10 Q72.5, longitudinal shortening of the fibula ICD-10 Q72.6.

Some kind of asymmetry in the body is normal. But even if the leg is shorter than the other by only a few centimeters, this can lead to some problems and diseases.

Children at risk

The earlier the problem is identified, the easier it is to treat. This is especially true in the treatment of children, since the shortening of the leg progresses over time and becomes more and more obvious. Fetal musculoskeletal disorders can be detected by ultrasound in early pregnancy.

Distinguish between symmetrical and asymmetric fetal growth retardation. In case of symmetrical violation, the ratio of circles and sizes are within the normal range and are harmonious. But the size of the fruit is proportionally reduced. With an asymmetric delay (occurs at a later date), there is a delay in the growth of certain areas. There are certain standards for fetal development at each stage of pregnancy: the circumference of the fetal head, tummy, and the length of the fetus. Fetal hip length data is also used to determine gestational age.

If you have any suspicions, then the approximate difference in your child's legs can be measured independently at home. First you need to determine if there is a difference in the length of the thigh. To do this, lay the child on his back, bend his knees so that angles of 90 ° are formed in the hip joint and knee. If one knee is slightly higher than the other, then this may indicate that one hip is larger than the other.

To compare the length of the lower leg, lay the child in the same position. The legs are bent at the knees, the feet are pressed to the floor. Visually draw a line above the knees. If one knee is higher than the other, you need to consult a specialist for advice.

In children, the height of the longitudinal arches is often asymmetric, which can lead to scoliosis. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine either side of the axis. Scoliosis disrupts muscle structure, muscle structure, ligaments and cartilage. This is dangerous because the child's body has not yet fully formed.

Scoliosis and uneven leg length are directly related to each other.

Treatment: there is a way out

The fact that the leg is shorter than the other is not a sentence. Treatment of pathology exists and is quite successfully used in modern medicine. Today, with the help of modern methods, it is even possible to lengthen short legs or correct curvature of the legs.

There are several methods that can help patients with one leg shorter than the other. The conservative method of treatment is applied to patients whose leg is no more than 2 centimeters larger than the other.

If one leg is significantly larger than the other, then surgical treatment is recommended. The most common way is to lengthen the lower limb using the Ilizarov apparatus. The bone is dissected in the required area, and then the leg is fixed with a device. The bone tissue will grow towards each other, and over time, the two bones will grow together. The bone growth rate is 1 mm per day, which means that it will take 10 days to lengthen the leg by 1 cm. It takes about six months for a person to fully recover. After removing the device, another period of rehabilitation is required.

This method is also used in aesthetic surgery to lengthen short legs. But it is not recommended to lengthen short legs without special indications. In addition to the high cost, pain and duration of manipulation, in any case, this is an intervention in the body that does not pass without a trace. Before deciding on such an operation, you should seriously think about this issue. Perhaps your short legs are a problem that is treated by a psychologist, not a surgeon.

Another treatment is to block growth zones. In this case, manipulations are performed with a healthy leg. The method is used in children and is aimed at restraining the growth of one leg, so that over time, both legs become equal in length.

People who have one leg shorter than the other are actually not that uncommon. Have you often seen an adult walking with a jumping gait? And what about a child who doesn't want to play with friends because he is “funny” limping? Orthopedic instep supports for different leg lengths will help in this seemingly insoluble problem.

Children with different leg lengths - risk groups

According to numerous studies, those children in whom the height of the longitudinal arch of the foot is asymmetric is associated with scoliosis in 15-20% different types... Girls are more susceptible to these conditions - they are more likely than boys to suffer from posture disorders and flat feet. This is due to the more sedentary lifestyle of girls.

The most dangerous lifestyle for scoliosis is from 10 to 14 years old - adolescence. At this time, the child's skeleton has not yet been formed, but the load on him is increasing. The child often sits bent over at a desk during lessons, and then back at home when preparing homework. It is at this age that a boy or girl of 7-9 years old develops scoliosis - statistics have registered up to 30% of such children.

Children aged 10 to 14 years suffer from the initial stages of scoliosis in 40% of cases, and at the age of 15-17 this indicator is also very high - it is almost 35%. How used to be doctors diagnosed with scoliosis in a child, the earlier you can begin to treat it. And there is more good chances to correct the curvature of the spine and related deformities of the foot.

And one more point: the earlier scoliosis in a child is detected, the earlier it is possible to work with a shortened leg, compensating for this deficiency with the help of orthopedic shoes. Parents should know: the earlier scoliosis is detected in children at the age of 8 to 10 years, the sooner deviations in posture and arch of the foot can be removed, because the course of scoliosis, according to statistics, significantly worsens in the next 2-4 years, up to 12 years old.

The fact that posture worsens at this age can be easily explained: at this time the child is growing intensively, and this growth does not pass evenly, with a net. The progression of this dangerous disease and deformities of the foot usually slows down, and sometimes ends by the age of 14.

Adults with different leg lengths - risk groups

The largest group of adults who especially suffer from scoliosis and associated foot deformities are people over 50. At that time bone aging and deteriorating, especially with an unhealthy lifestyle associated with smoking and poor nutrition, as well as increased stress on the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, in people over 50, a change in the length of the intervertebral disc is often observed - it is deformed.

The pelvic bones become skewed due to the fact that one limb (leg) becomes shorter than the other. Therefore, the disc between the vertebrae wears out, serves poorly, this aggravates poor posture, leads to an imbalance of the left and right sides of the body. The muscle of the lower back, which is called the square muscle, is especially affected, it is located in the lower back). This chain also includes thoracic, clavicular, scalene muscles, therefore, the intervertebral nerves are compressed, many parts of the body, in particular, the spine, hurt, and the person continues to hunch down even more. Poor posture in people over 50 is accompanied by an uneven, jumping or limping gait, deformity of the feet.

Consequences of different leg lengths

In a child (especially a small child), the height of the longitudinal arches of the foot is asymmetric, which ultimately leads to spinal scoliosis. Scoliosis is the curvature of the spine in one direction. Unlike the usual violation of children's posture (the child does not stand or sits hunched over, his muscle tone is disturbed), scoliosis destroys the structure of muscles, bones, ligaments and cartilage that have not yet been fully formed in the child. Therefore, scoliosis leads to an incorrect distribution of the load and an incorrect distribution of points of support, and the child develops a deformity of the foot, in particular, flat feet.

Scoliosis is dysplastic (a twisting type of metabolic disorder in vertebral tissues) and static. All this together causes a bouncing gait due to the different lengths of the child's legs. As for adults, their different leg lengths can lead to gross violations of the skeletal structure. From this, muscles, ligaments, cartilage develop incorrectly, vertebral discs fall out, and a herniated vertebral discs occur. Therefore, people with such deviations often have back or stomach pain. These pains are long lasting and excruciating.

When should you see a doctor?

It is very difficult to understand whether a child's legs are different or the same. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of poor posture in a child, it is imperative to visit an orthopedist or traumatologist for advice and treatment. Very often, with the initial signs of scoliosis and deformities of the foot, it can help physiotherapy and dancing as well as swimming. In order not to miss the initial, subtle signs of deformities of the spine and foot, you need to visit a doctor once a year for a preventive examination.

For adults, they need to track their pain. Especially in the spine and feet. And also to control the gait. If friends tell you, or if you yourself feel that your gait has become uneven, bouncing or limping, see your doctor for examination and treatment.

How much it is necessary to compensate for the missing leg length is determined by an orthopedist or traumatologist. Shortening your legs (don't be alarmed, it's like this medical term) can be absolute or else relative. To determine the type of shortening, you need to take an X-ray of the pelvic region, as well as spinal column... This is done while standing. From this X-ray, the doctor will pinpoint the difference between the length of one leg and the other by analyzing the height of the heads of the pelvic joints. This will make it possible to determine the difference in leg length.

If the shortening of the leg is absolute, full compensation is required, and if it is relative, incomplete compensation of the leg length is required, up to one third or one second for adults and up to half the length for children.

How to help a person with different leg lengths?

First of all, order orthopedic insoles... Such insoles are also called compensatory insoles. They are selected individually, they are made within 20 minutes, the patient does not even have time to leave the clinic, and the insoles will already be ready. They can be picked up immediately. What can you achieve with orthopedic insoles?

• Stabilize the position of the spine and feet
• Scoliosis and flat feet stop developing further
• Those parts of the spine that were heavily loaded are now unloaded and can safely recover
• If the shortening of the legs is too great, not only orthopedic insoles are used, but also instep supports. They make it possible to make the posture correct, relieve the spine and feet.

It should be borne in mind that a person may not get used to insoles and instep supports right away. Slight discomfort may be felt within 4-5 days of wearing the insoles. Then the person feels incredible relief: the insoles are almost not felt, but fatigue in the legs develops much more slowly, walking is much more comfortable, there is practically no pain in the legs. The stability in the ankle increases, the load on the knees becomes weaker, and the lower back hurts much less.

If the discomfort in the feet and spine persists within a week, it means that the orthopedic insoles were selected and modeled incorrectly. I need a second visit to the orthopedist and other insoles.

There are many records in the Guinness Book, which is published annually: the largest hot dog, the smallest / largest people and animals, the most big size human legs and much more. Some records are delightful, others disgusting.

Who has the bigger leg?

According to the data from the book, Hason Rodriguez has the largest foot size in the world. The title was awarded because of the 59th shoe size worn by a resident of Venezuela.

The height of the giant is 2 meters 20 cm, the length of the foot is 40 cm. From the age of 14, as Hason admits, when the leg had already grown a lot, he had to sew boots from his pants or sometimes go barefoot.

Brain Takiula

At 29, a native of North Africa, now a resident of Paris, wears shoes in size 58. Height at young man 2 meters 46 cm. Such dimensions bring a lot of inconvenience in everyday life. It is difficult to move around the apartment, not to mention public transport and the lack of shoes of this size on sale.

Regular walks cost the guy 3500 euros. That is how much one pair of shoes in size 58 costs. Brian no longer suffers from the scrutiny that passersby give him every day due to the fact that he has the largest foot size.

He enjoys, imaginary or real, but poses in front of camera lenses and answers questions. He admits that he hopes to grow up a little more in order to twice become a hero of the Guinness Book as the tallest person in the world.

Possessed the most tall, registered in the Guinness Book of Records, he also had the largest leg in the world. Shoe size - 76, height 2 meters 72 cm, foot size 47 cm. Absolute record holder the world. Robert suffered from a terrible disease - acromegaly and a pituitary tumor and died in his sleep from a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 22.

Ukrainian giant

The Ukrainian native passed away from the same diagnosis as Robert Waldo in 2014. He was 44 years old. In the Book of Records, the owner of 60 feet is not listed, Leonid Stadnikov's height was 2 meters 55 cm. This is the largest foot size not officially registered.

The abnormal development was non-congenital; in adolescence, the boy needed an urgent operation to remove a benign brain tumor, during which the pituitary gland was affected. Leonid began to grow very quickly and gain weight, by the age of 41, his weight reached 200 kg.

41-year-old Englishwoman Mandy Sellars lives with a diagnosis of Congenital pathology, in which bones grow very quickly. Mandy's legs are incredibly large, she has the largest foot size in diameter - 1 meter, 95 kg in weight and 40 shoe sizes. Moreover, they are deployed in different directions and are not the same in length. Left right 13 cm.

Special shoes cost $ 4,000. Sellars even has a special car that does not require legs to drive. Her legs do not stop growing, an operation was even performed to amputate one of them for medical reasons, but after a while the leg began to grow again.

Carl Griffiths' legs grew to size 63 when the American athlete from Novoe turned 20. The guy's height is 197 cm. By the age of 12, parents noticed the abnormal development of their child, at this age the teenager wore shoes of 43 sizes. Today, for playing rugby and everyday wear, you have to buy custom-made shoes and socks very often. After all, sport quickly wears out things.

Emma Cahill has the largest European foot size among women - 49. At the same time, the Englishwoman's height is 196 cm, which means that her size can be called proportional. Although it is very difficult for a 19-year-old British woman to find something suitable, especially in heels.

Hollywood Cinderella

Largest foot size in Hollywood:

• Kim Cattrall - size 39.5;
• Cameron Diaz, Liz Hurley - 40 size;
• Kate Winslet - wears 41 shoe sizes
• Oprah Winfrey - 41.5 size.
• Meg Ryan, Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman - 42 size;
• Claudia Schiffer - 42.5 size;
• Tyra Banks - 43 size;
• Monica Bellucci is the owner of 44 sizes.

The Hollywood actor, who passed away in 2005, was reportedly wearing size 65 shoes. Matthew was an incredibly talented person and an optimist, for which he had great success in his acting career.

When one leg is shorter than the other, doctors call this phenomenon short leg syndrome. The consequences of such a pathology can be very serious if you do not pay attention to it. At the same time, they speak of a violation only when the difference in length is more than ½ cm. The most common cause of such an anomaly is a skewed pelvis.

Many studies have been carried out in this area, and the latest of them have confirmed that even a difference of 3-4 mm provokes a curvature of the spinal column, a violation of the position of the pelvis and abnormal growth. If you do not start treatment on time, then the pathology will progress, disrupting the functions of the spine with all the ensuing consequences.

Causes and consequences if one leg is shorter than the other in an adult

This syndrome results in an uneven load on the intervertebral discs.

In the future, this will provoke twisting of the pelvis, scoliosis, reversal of the 5th lumbar vertebra, blocking of the joint of the sacroiliac zone from the side opposite to the shortened limb.

1. The main reasons are displacement or misalignment of the pelvis from a natural position, resulting in dysfunctional changes in the spine. This means that the axis of distribution of the load during movement will change, respectively, there will be pain in the back, neck, lower back;
2. Such metamorphoses lead to a violation of biomechanics, disc herniation, degenerative changes in the vertebrae, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, sciatica, stenosis of the spinal canal occur. The skewed pelvis provokes pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders, arms, as a result of which problems arise with the upper limbs;
3. Osteochondrosis is a disease characterized by dysfunction of the vertebrae, ligaments, joints, intervertebral discs. Pathology develops under the influence of a number of factors and over a long period. The risk increases in the presence of a history of spinal injuries, posture disorders, hypothermia;
4. Lumbago is a syndrome of vertebral etiology. It is characterized by changes in the lumbar region: pain, deformation of this spine, excessive muscle tension. People call lumbago a lumbago because of the shooting pains that do not allow to straighten and the patient is forced to stay in a bent position.

The difference between leg length can be moderate or severe. In the latter case, the functionality of the body is significantly impaired. With moderate deviations, there is unsteadiness when walking, periodic falls. One hip is always higher than the other. Almost always, this phenomenon is accompanied by pain, which can be localized in the thigh, groin, sacroiliac joints, shoulder, neck, lower back, and give it to the leg.

With prolonged misalignment of the pelvis, the body itself will begin to correct biomechanics and asymmetry. This will lead to an adaptation of the tendons, ligaments and muscular apparatus. Therefore, therapy can be delayed for quite a long time. In addition, the displacement of the pelvis is very difficult to correct, because a pathological stereotype of movements is formed. The longer the pathology is present, the more difficult it is to get rid of it.

Diagnostics of different leg lengths

Usually, identifying the anomaly is straightforward. For example, you can pay attention to the length of the leg when a person is standing: when one is longer than the other, or the heel steps on one of them when walking, then the probability of having a disease is high. If such a condition is found in children, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor, since posture will be disturbed in the future, pain will arise, which, as we have already noted, can spread to other parts of the body.

The doctor may notice changes on a standard physical exam. If necessary, the condition is diagnosed hip joints and the spine, an MRI or CT scan may be prescribed.

What to do if an adult has one leg significantly shorter than the other

Quite often, treatment is only temporary because it is symptomatic. Standard orthopedic therapy is unable to relieve tension in the iliopsoas muscles. The pelvis will remain skewed, the joint blocked, and the leg short.

• The only way out of the situation is manual therapy and similar techniques. Specialists in this area act purposefully, gently, dosed, make efforts to relax tense muscles.
• In addition, it is necessary perform various exercises, be constantly physically active, keep in good shape, walk with a straight back. Well-developed musculature will support the bones of the skeleton. Muscle imbalance can be eliminated by regularly straining all muscle groups during exercise. In the complex of treatment and for the purpose of prevention, swimming, equestrian sports, classes on special simulators are recommended.

Consequences of shortening one leg

The risk group includes people after 50 years of age. This is due to the natural aging of the body, destruction of bone tissue, as well as an improper lifestyle and increased stress on the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, in older people, deformation of the intervertebral discs often occurs.

As a result of shortening one limb and skewing the pelvis:

1. severe wear of the intervertebral discs;
2. bad posture worsens;
3. there is an imbalance between the right and left side of the body.

In particular, the lumbar (square) muscle suffers from pathological changes. Also, pain syndrome affects the clavicle, pectoral, scalene muscles. This, in turn, leads to compression of the intervertebral nerves. Poor posture in a person is accompanied by a limping, prancing or uneven gait, deformity of the feet.

Seeing a doctor when one leg is shorter than the other

Adults should pay attention to pain, especially in the spine and feet, and control their gait. How much you need to compensate for the length is determined by the traumatologist or orthopedist.

The shortening can be:

• relative;
• absolute.

To determine its type, an x-ray of the pelvis and spine is needed. The diagnostic procedure is done in a standing position. The picture will allow the doctor to determine the difference between the length of the lower extremities, to analyze the height of the heads of the pelvic joint.

With absolute shortening, full compensation is required, and with relative shortening, partial compensation, up to ½ or 1/3 of the length.

Treatment when one leg is shorter than the other

First of all, you will need orthopedic insoles, which are called compensatory insoles. They are selected individually and manufactured relatively quickly.

Long and thin legs. Some girls seem to dream about them in their dreams. But is it that simple? What legs can we consider really perfect?

1. Legs length

The correct leg length depends entirely on your height. This is logical, because a girl of 155 centimeters cannot have legs of 110 centimeters (it would look terrible). Everything should be in proportion.

The ideal length is half the height plus a few centimeters. A lot depends on whether your bone is wide or thin:

• wide bone: legs are 2–4 centimeters longer than half of the height (51–53% of the height);
• normal bone: the length of the legs is equal to half the height and another 4–6 centimeters on top (52–54% of the height);
• thin bone: legs should be half the height and another 6-9 centimeters (53-55% of the height).

Remember that the length of the legs is measured from the prominence of the femur to the floor.

2. The rule of four gaps

The legs cannot be completely straight, and this is normal. They must have a certain nice curve. To understand how your legs fit the ideal parameters, stand in front of the mirror and bring your legs together.

Legs correct shape form four gaps: between the feet and ankles, under the knees, between the knees and thighs, between the groin and thighs. The last window (above the knee at the bottom of the thigh) should be narrowest.

3. Hip width

Girls are most often worried about the volume of the hips. Of course, hip coverage is an important parameter for perfect legs. So, with an increase of 161-165 centimeters, the correct thigh circumference is 53-54 centimeters; with a height of 166-170, the thigh circumference is 55-57 centimeters; with a height of 171–175, the thigh circumference should be 57–58 centimeters (be careful: the circumference of one thigh, not the circumference of two thighs).

We would like to note that 55 centimeters in girth is not so little, which means that thin and beautiful legs are not always the same.

4. Beautiful caviar

Calves are an equally important part of the legs. Here you need to determine the golden mean for yourself: too inflated caviar is bad, but flabby, jelly is even worse. Rounded and firm calves do not disturb the general shape of the leg and are not conspicuous.

5. Attractive knees

The knees can be both a decoration for the legs and their main problem. Good knees are small, round, tidy, with no side protrusions. The knee should be at the same distance from the top and bottom of the leg, halfway between top hips and feet.

Pay attention to the circumference of the leg under the knee: it should be equal to or slightly larger than the circumference of the ankle.

Unfortunately, the knees give away the woman's age. No wonder Hollywood stars begin to do plastic surgery precisely on the knees to return them to their correct shape.

6. Graceful ankles

A beautiful ankle should be thin (but not skinny), graceful and raised. By the way, the shape of the Achilles tendon is also important (it is located where the heel passes into the lower leg): ideally, it has a small thickness and regular indentations on both sides.

7. A little more about hips

We figured out the girth of the hips, but what about their shape? It is believed that the ideal femur is similar to a spindle: slightly narrowed above and below, and slightly widened in the middle part. If you mentally divide the thigh into three equal parts, then the widest part should be in the upper third.

To keep your hips firm, toned and appetizing, you need to constantly play sports and maintain their beautiful shape.

8. Smooth feet, pink heels, neat toes

The ideal foot has a concave, elongated and thin foot. The toes are not crooked by low-quality shoes and lie loose, one next to the other. The heel is rounded and slightly protruding from the Achilles tendon.

Of course, toes and heels should be well-groomed and tidy: don't forget about pedicure, soothing baths and moisturizing cream.

9. Healthy legs

Beautiful legs are, first of all, healthy legs. Spider veins, blue-violet mesh will spoil appearance even the most slender legs... An immobile lifestyle sitting position within seven to eight hours, high heels, absence physical activity- all this can lead to varicose veins. The disease is serious, often treated only with laser therapy or surgery.

Therefore, watch the health of your legs from a young age. Walk, exercise, take a contrast shower, rest your feet from heels, drink more water, and see a phlebologist.