How to Measure a Leg Length Discrepancy

A leg length discrepancy is when your legs are different lengths. Many people have discrepancies of less than an inch, and these are so minor that they generally go unnoticed. However, there are problems associated with larger discrepancies. Luckily, these problems can be solved reasonably easily, once the diagnosis is made.



There are two kinds of leg length discrepancy -- functional and anatomical. The former is when the legs are not actually different sizes, but appear so because of the way the patient holds his weight. The latter is when the legs are actually different sizes.

Instructions

Anatomical

• 1

  Measure one leg from your hip bone to the ball of your foot while it is fully extended. This will ensure that the main bones where leg discrepancy presents itself are included.

• 2

  Measure the other leg in the same manner.

• 3

  Compare your results. If they are dramatically different, see a doctor to confirm and discuss your options.

• 4

  X-ray the legs (with a doctor or radiologist) to get a better idea of the actual bone lengths.

Functional

• 5

  Stand with your feet a little under a foot apart.

• 6

  Have a friend or relative check the arches of your feet for tenderness or asymmetrical pronation.

• 7

  Place your hands on both sides of your pelvis (hip bone) to see if it is lined up correctly, and that one side isn't higher or lower than the other.

• 8

  Have a friend perform the same check on your scapula (shoulderblades) to see if they are aligned. If you have functional leg length discrepancy, they will not be.

• 9

  Visit a doctor regardless of your results; neither you or your friend are trained medical professionals and this is just a guideline.