If one leg is functionally longer than the other, your entire body compensates — and not gracefully. The result is often hip pain, lower back pain, knee issues, and a sense that your body just feels “off.” At Total Health Chiropractic, we help patients across Singapore identify whether their leg length inequality is functional (correctable) or structural (manageable), and address the pain patterns that come with it.
Leg length inequality (LLI), sometimes called leg length discrepancy, simply means one leg is longer than the other. It’s more common than most people realise — small differences are present in around 70% of the population, though only larger differences (typically over 1cm) tend to cause noticeable symptoms.
The critical distinction is between two types:
Structural (anatomical) leg length inequality A genuine difference in bone length. The femur, tibia, or both are physically different lengths. Often caused by growth differences, fractures, or surgical history. This type cannot be “corrected” — but it can be effectively managed.
Functional leg length inequality The bones are actually the same length, but the body presents as if one leg is longer. Usually caused by pelvic misalignment, muscle imbalances, joint dysfunction, or compensatory patterns. This type can often be addressed and significantly improved.
Knowing which type you have changes everything about treatment.
Many people live with leg length inequality for years before realising it’s contributing to their symptoms.
At your $99 First Visit for leg length inequality, our first priority is determining whether your inequality is functional or structural.
Our assessment includes:
Detailed history of symptoms, when they started, past injuries, and any history of fractures or surgery.
Postural and pelvic assessment using specific techniques to measure leg length and identify pelvic position.
Range of motion testing of the hips, lower back, and pelvis.
Gait analysis observing how you walk and where compensation is occurring.
Spinal assessment since scoliosis and spinal issues often coexist with leg length inequality.
X-rays if clinically indicated specifically standing X-rays can accurately measure structural leg length difference. Included in your $99 First Visit if needed.
Honest discussion of whether your inequality is correctable, manageable, or requires a heel lift or specialist referral.
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"I can only describe the pain I was getting down the back and side of my legs as unbearable. I was told that I was facing surgery if things deteriorated further. I had tried everything, massage, pilates, physiotherapy, and only received short-term relief; the pain always came back.
It took about 6 sessions with Tim before I saw real improvement, and since then I seem to just get better and better. I am incredibly grateful for their professional and understandable approach. I feel that I am now on a journey to a higher level of overall health as my entire spine works better." — Andy Lavelle
Common signs include one-sided hip or lower back pain, uneven shoe wear, pelvic tilt visible in photos, or one shoulder appearing higher than the other. A proper assessment can confirm whether you have leg length inequality and what type.
Heel lifts are sometimes useful for structural leg length inequality, typically for differences over 1cm. We’ll assess whether one is appropriate for your specific situation.
This varies. Some children’s leg length differences resolve with growth. Others persist. Regular assessment during growth years is important, particularly if symptoms are present.
Yes, very commonly. The body compensates for leg length differences through pelvic tilt and spinal adjustments, which can lead to chronic back pain over time.
Possibly, particularly standing X-rays to accurately measure structural difference. Included in your $99 First Visit if needed.
Yes. The pelvic misalignment that often accompanies leg length inequality can contribute to sciatica. See our sciatica page for more.
The two often coexist. Pelvic tilt from leg length difference can contribute to spinal curvature, and scoliosis can create functional leg length differences. See our scoliosis page for related information.
For severe structural leg length differences, particularly following hip replacement or major surgery, orthopaedic input may be valuable. We’re happy to coordinate care.
No. You can book directly with us. Please bring any imaging or relevant medical records to your first visit.
