Short Leg Syndrome Treatment From Your Clermont Chiropractic

Take a look at your body: is it symmetrical? Notwithstanding minor and often imperceptible differences from left to right, most of us are pretty even from side to side. However, some people experience pain and dysfunction due to a physical imbalance known as short leg syndrome. At Michaux Family Chiropractic, our Clermont chiropractic team has helped many people with this relatively unknown condition. 

Short Leg Syndrome: What it is & What It's Caused By

There are two main reasons why a person can have one leg that's shorter than the other:

• Structural: actual anatomical leg shortness caused by abnormal joint space narrowing, a hip disorder, a history of fracture, or some kind of congenital disorder affecting bone growth 
• Functional: apparent or relative leg shortness due to a postural or environmental factor which changes the normal resting position of the lower limb

Functional short leg syndrome can be caused by things like abnormal muscle shortening, hip joint tightness, a spinal deformity, or a flat foot arch. It's a functional short leg that tends to respond positively to chiropractic care (although even people with structurally-caused shortened legs can benefit from chiropractic services, too). Signs and symptoms of this syndrome will vary, of course, depending on the degree of asymmetry and other factors unique to the individual, but typically include things like: 

• Hip pain
• Low back pain
• Asymmetrical weakness of the hip muscles (which can lead to a movement pattern called Trendelenburg gait)

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Manage & Resolve Short Leg Syndrome

If you visit our doctor of chiropractic with symptoms of short leg syndrome, Dr. Michaux can confirm a diagnosis by assessing and measuring your alignment, muscle strength, and range of motion. Based on his exam findings, he can develop a plan of care that will reduce your pain and other symptoms and in some cases resolve the lower limb asymmetry altogether. Here are a few things he may do:

• Chiropractic adjustments of the spine
• Joint mobilizations
• Exercises to stretch and strengthen involved muscles
• Orthotics prescription and fitting
• Postural and lifestyle modifications (e.g., ergonomics and body mechanics training)

Schedule an Appointment with Your Clermont Chiropractor

Are you looking for non-invasive and drug-free solutions to your leg pain? Call Michaux Family Chiropractic today at (352) 243-7300 to schedule an appointment with your Clermont chiropractor, Dr. Kurt Michaux. Whether you have short leg syndrome or some other health condition, we are confident that high-quality chiropractic care can help. Call today, and be sure to ask about our current specials for new patients!