How To Treat Leg Length Discrepancy

By Carl Hamilton


Limb deformities usually occur in children, with conditions such as bow legs. Aside from children, they may also occur in adults as the result of fractures if infections do not heal completely. Although some conditions may heal as the child grows, there are some conditions that would affect the way they walk of not treated. This discrepancy might be a cause of bone infections and diseases.

The symptoms of a limb discrepancy may also vary depending on the child and the condition of the legs. There are signs including problems with proper posture, back or hip pain, pain in the knees, and walking problems. Basically, the leg length discrepancy occurs when a child is born with uneven legs.

While many individuals have slight differences in the length of their legs, a significant difference between the two legs can certainly cause some problems. In fact, they can affect the way a person walks, strain hip joints, and how his or her spine lines up.

And because the body is attached through a series of tendons, bones, muscles, and ligaments, being unequal on one size may only cause excessive wear. Thus, joints from head to toe will also be seriously affected. It is a usual occurrence for most patients to tell their specialist that their knees hurt after running too much. When you run, small anatomical and biochemical discrepancies may cause some troubles.

This condition can be diagnosed with the aid of a specialist. The doctor examines the child or an adult. He or she examines to be sure the legs have distinct lengths. This is because issues with the back such as scoliosis and hip such as loose joints can make a person look to have one shorter leg, even if the legs have equal lengths. Also, the doctor will also take the medical history of the family and the patient, including about recent illnesses.

The treatment for such condition may also depend on the difference and root causes. The physician will discuss a wide variety of treatment option before decisions will be made. It is vital to remember that treatment is planned properly and not done right away. Considering a surgical operation is also a treatment option. In fact, many people consider it for various reasons.

But, mostly, the underlying cause of the problem still remains. After a costly surgical procedure, there is a chance that such problem still remains. Always remember that not every treatment is effective for an individual, Of course, every person has different preference and body system. Hence, it is better to consider options with your physician.

The healing time will depend on how long you have been suffering the condition caused by length inequality. By rectifying the root cause of such injury with your specialist and followed by an appropriate treatment regimen, you can expect relief within two weeks. Parents often the first one to detect the condition when they notice a problem with the way their child walks.

There are also times when discrepancies are discovered when a child undergoes a screening test at school. Actually, your specialist performs a thorough physical test and use them to confirm discrepancies. A physician who specializes in lengthening techniques will also talk to you about the different treatment options and could further explain the benefits and potential risks. This way, you are able to determine which one is best for your child.




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