By York Rehab Clinic

08/17/2025 Short Leg Syndrome (Leg Length Discrepancy)Short Leg Syndrome happens when one leg is shorter than the other. A small difference (less than 1 cm) is common and usually harmless, but larger differences can affect posture, walking, and cause back, hip, or knee pain.
Causes

• Structural: one bone is actually shorter (from birth, injury, or surgery).
  
• Functional: bones are equal, but muscle tightness, pelvic tilt, or posture make one leg act shorter.
  

Symptoms

• Uneven hips, shoulders, or gait (limp)
  
• Back, hip, knee, or ankle pain (often on one side)
  
• Muscle tightness or sciatica in some cases
  

DiagnosisDoctors measure leg lengths during exam or use X-rays. A simple “block test” (placing blocks under the short leg until the hips are level) can estimate the difference.
Treatments

• Mild cases: shoe lifts, custom orthotics, physical therapy, posture correction.
  
• Severe cases (>2–2.5 cm): surgery to lengthen the short leg or shorten the longer one.
  
• Treating underlying causes (like arthritis) is also important.
  

Why Early Detection MattersFixing the problem early helps prevent long-term joint damage and chronic pain. If you notice uneven hips, shoulders, or unexplained one-sided pain, a doctor can check for leg length discrepancy.