Leg length asymmetry: risk of developing arthritis / running injuries?!


Question: Leg length asymmetry: risk of developing arthritis / running injuries.?
I went to a physio because of persistent hamstring injuries and they say my right leg is longer than my left by about a cm. +

My left shinbone is about a cm longer than my right and my right femur is about 2cm longer than my left femur. also I think my pelvis is a bit deformed mainly because when I broke it the hospital staff were almost laughing when they saw it and they said the bone was twisted.

The physio gave me a heel raise which Ive had for a few months but it feels very uncomfortable and I can't run with it.

The physios have never really measured the asymmetries out and I can't really afford to keep going to them. But Im getting really fed up with the constant injuries. My coach says my I run very wobbly with my upper R leg twisting when I put the foot down.

.?Is it likely the asymmetries I have are causing the injuries, and am I at a higher risk of developing arthritis.? My physio says I am but some research I have done suggests it won't really make a difference.

Is it worth me trying to get my legs and pelvis assesed somehow or are they not likeley to be a problem.? Is ther anything that can really be done about it.?

I know - a lot of questions, but any help would be appreciated. Thank you.Health Question & Answer


Answers:
Well I have the same problem you do. And I'm a runner as well =) My left leg is slightly longer than my right leg- I went to a doctor (he's like one of only fifty seven doctors specialized in that area in the country- and he happens to have his practice located in our small town) and he made me custom-fitted orthotics. The one for my right foot has extra material on the heel that raises my leg to the correct height. I don't notice any difference when I run with them and I was in severe pain before I started wearing them. The doctor didn't say anything about contracting arthritis if I didn't wear them and I am sure he would have if it was a concern (not to say you couldn't be faced with other problems that cause pain). Oh yes and the reason I went to the doctor in the first place was because I was having knee and hip problems. So running without the orthotics was causing those symptoms in the first place. In your case, I think you should get checked out and make sure when you run your body is in full alignment. It is a huge impact to your bones and I suppose that could eventually cause problems if they aren't in the right position. With the doctors appointments and custom orthotics the total came out to be approximately $500 but it's better to pay that then face major medical bills later in life as a consequence of not taking care of your body now. also, you might not need custom orthotics which would greatly decrease the price- I just had an extremely severe circumstance. Good luck =)Health Question & Answer

your questions would best be answered by an osteopath or an orthopod. Two specialists that deal with issues of the bones.Health Question & Answer

Okay, short answer.

In general most people live with slight asymmetry perfectly well, and in general no you are not at any great increased risk of osteoarthritis, etc. Not to any significant extent anyway (there is a very small % increase).

HOWEVER ... any high impact training such as running/contact sprts etc WILL increase your chance of arthritis a lot more. I would suggest switching your training to low impact cardio such as a cross trainer or swimming, or at least incorporating them into your workout a lot more.Health Question & Answer

you should see a doc of sports medicine. perhaps you had a previous injury to the growth plates.? or was it a birth malformation.? anyway, i think a lot of people have tiny differences but dont ever really notice because they dont do sports. in your case, you do so youre having some noticeable difficulties. how did you injure your pelvis.? you certainly could develop arthritis in troubled areas due to the injuries as scarring occurs as time goes on. I tell my kids all the time, what you do to your body now, you will suffer for in your forties, etc. so, yeah, you could develop arthritis. see a sports med doctor and they should help you to manage the long term effects.Health Question & Answer



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