A leg length discrepancy of more than what length is likely to cause symptoms?

A leg length discrepancy of more than 2 cm is often associated with noticeable symptoms and functional impairments. Discrepancies of this magnitude can lead to altered gait patterns, increased pelvic tilt, and an uneven distribution of body weight, which can result in musculoskeletal discomfort or pain in the back, hips, knees, and even feet.

At this threshold, individuals may struggle with balance and coordination, reflecting the body’s attempts to compensate for the uneven limb lengths. This can trigger a series of secondary problems, including overuse injuries in the longer limb or compensatory mechanisms that might lead to further issues in the spine and lower extremities.

In clinical practice, this understanding helps professionals determine when to intervene with orthotic solutions or other treatments to address the discrepancy and alleviate symptoms. Discrepancies less than 2 cm, while they may still cause issues, are generally better tolerated by the body and do not typically result in the same level of disability or discomfort.