Discrepancies in leg lengths can have a major effect on the way we walk.
A new study found that even as little as 5 mm discrepancy between sides can increase flexion of the longer leg while decreasing extension of the shorter leg. Additionally, hip abduction and external foot rotation during swing phase were also present.
Conclusions
In many cases, one leg may appear longer then the other due to misalignments of the pelvis. In other cases, such as when a child breaks his leg, the bone may physically be longer than the other. In either case, this can have a notable effect on gait. If possible steps may need to be taken to attempt to minimize the effects of the discrepancy.
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