There are numerous orthopedic problems that someone may develop and one of the examples is called Short Leg Syndrome (SLS). More commonly known as Leg Length Discrepancy, SLS is a condition that develops when someone has one leg that is shorter than the other. When people think about legs that are of different lengths, they usually think about legs that are markedly incredibly different in their overall sizes. In reality, this is not the case. Even a small discrepancy of only a centimeter or two can add up over the years. Therefore, it is important for everyone to understand Leg Length Discrepancy, how it develops, and how it can be treated.
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There are a number of reasons why someone may develop this condition. In some situations, someone may simply be born with two limbs that are of different lengths. In other situations, someone may develop an infection of the bone that has to be removed surgically. This could result in one leg that is shorter than the other.
In order to better understand the causes of SLS, the condition can be divided into two categories: anatomic and functional. When someone has anatomic SLS, the bones of the legs are literally two different lengths. When someone has functional SLS, the leg bones are the same length; however, there are muscular, ligamentous, or other musculoskeletal issues that cause one leg to act like it is shorter than the other.
In order to better understand the differences between these two classes, it is a good idea to take a look at a few examples. They include:
It is important to take a closer look at some of the complications that this condition can cause.
There are a number of complications that may develop when someone has this condition. A few examples include:
These symptoms can lead to serious quality-of-life issues. That is where a chiropractor can help.
Some people may believe that they need to have the length of their leg surgically corrected. The good news is that this is not always the case. For those who have functional leg length discrepancy, a chiropractor can provide treatments using adjustments and advanced equipment.
First, the chiropractor will take a look at someone's back and pelvis. Then, adjustments will be made to ensure that the muscles, ligaments, bones, joints, and tendons of the back and pelvis are aligned properly. This can go a long way toward eliminating the discomfort that people feel. After this, a chiropractor can use orthotics to stabilize the pelvis, hips, and knees, preventing these symptoms from coming back. These manual treatment options can help someone manage SLS while eliminating potentially serious complications and side effects.
If you or a loved one is suffering from Short Leg Syndrome, give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic can help determine if your leg length discrepancy is due to functional problems. If so, we can definitely help! So give us a call today!
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