Leg length discrepancy

Leg length discrepancy (LLD) or leg length difference (LLD) is where the bones in each leg are different lengths or are misaligned.   A leg length difference is not un-common, in fact, most people will have one leg that is slightly longer than the other. 

LLD can occur from birth, post-trauma or post-surgery or with some degenerative diseases and depending on the cause the patient may experience either short or long-term symptoms.

Depending on the cause of LLD the healthcare professional responsible for your care  may recommend physio therapy exercises, heel lifts, insoles or a  referral  onto another department, for example orthopaedics or orthotics if appropriate.

Nonsurgical treatment – What are heel lifts?

Leg length discrepancy between 2-5 cm can be equalised. This can be achieved by heel lift. Heel lifts are designed to raise the heel of the foot, when worn in one shoe they can help relieve some symptoms associated with LLD.

Some heel lifts are designed to that the layers can be peeled away in 3mm intervals.  Heel lifts can be prescribed by professionals who have measured leg differences in millimetres, and then the correct size chosen to be added to a person’s footwear.

What footwear should I wear?

Its important to wear supportive shoes these will help control your symptoms and also work with your heel lift

• the footwear needs to fit well, be comfortable and be secure on the foot
• they should fasten securely, by means of laces, Velcro straps or a buckle
• they should have a wide, low heel
• the shoes or boots should be in a state of good repair.

Footwear to avoid: sandals/mules or sling backs/very flexible soles

Heel lifts for self-purchase

Peel Away Heel Elevators 3mm-15mm

Small shoe size 3-6  Orthotix Adjustable Height (3mm-15mm) 5 Layer Heel Elevator/Raise (SOLD IN PAIRS!) - Supplied to NHS for leg-length discrepancies & achilles tendon injuries SMALL: UK Shoe: 3-6 : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

Medium shoe Size 6-9 Orthotix Adjustable Height (3mm-15mm) 5 Layer Heel Elevator/Raise (SOLD IN PAIRS!) - Supplied to NHS for leg-length discrepancies & achilles tendon injuries MED: UK Shoe: 6-9 : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

Large shoe Size 9-12 Orthotix Adjustable Height (3mm-15mm) 5 Layer Heel Elevator/Raise (SOLD IN PAIRS!) - Supplied to NHS for leg-length discrepancies & achilles tendon injuries LARGE: UK Shoe:9-12 : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

12mm Heel Elevators Footmedics Basics 12mm Heel Elevators x2 | Leg Length Discrepancy Lift & Achilles Tendonitis Raise Treatment | Multiple Raise Options: (12mm) : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

12mm Heel Elevators Talarmade ProHeel Orthotic Robust EVA Cup Insole Foot Heel Lift Elevator Aid - Size (S UK2 - 5) Medium Density 12mm Degree Lift : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

Peel Away Heel Elevators 1mm-12mm Clearly Adjustable Heel Lift | Health and Care

6mm Lift  AmazonTalarMade Adhesive Backed EVA Insole Heel Elevator - 6mm Lift - Size Medium | Ideal for Leg Height Discrepancy Correction : Amazon.co.uk: Fashion

There are a large number of providers online retailers for heel lift inserts or your local supermarkets and pharmacies. This list is not exclusive.