What Happens If One Leg Is Shorter Than the Other?

Do your pants legs never hang quite evenly? Ever feel like one hip sits higher than the other when you look in the mirror? It might not be your imagination — and it might not be your tailor’s fault either. A surprising number of people have a condition called leg length inequality, where one leg is slightly shorter than the other. It may seem minor at first, but your body often adapts in ways that create stress elsewhere. In many cases, it’s a hidden cause of long-term pain, poor posture, or even athletic injury. So what’s really going on — and how can you tell if it’s affecting you?

Two Types of Leg Length Differences

There are two main types of leg length discrepancy: anatomical (true difference in bone length) and functional (caused by pelvic or spinal imbalance).

🔹 Anatomical Leg Length Discrepancy

This refers to an actual difference in bone length between the legs — often caused by genetics, injury during growth, or past surgeries.

🔹 Functional Leg Length Discrepancy

This is far more common, and it happens when spinal misalignments, muscle imbalances, or pelvic tilt cause one leg to appear or function shorter — even though the bones are the same length.

As a chiropractor, I see functional leg length differences all the time. And the good news? They’re often correctable.

Why It Matters

Even a small imbalance can throw off your entire kinetic chain — the series of joints and muscles that keep your body moving smoothly. When one leg functions as shorter than the other, it can lead to:

• Hip or low back pain

• Knee discomfort

• Uneven wear on shoes

• Tight hamstrings or IT band tension

• Poor posture or spinal curvature

• Increased risk of injury, especially for runners and athletes

Your body works hard to compensate for the difference, and that can cause strain in places you’d never expect.

How Chiropractors Assess and Help

At our office, we perform detailed postural and gait assessments to see how your body is aligned and how it moves. A leg length check is often part of that process — along with spinal evaluations to see if there’s an underlying pelvic shift or vertebral misalignment. When we find a functional discrepancy, gentle adjustments can restore balance, reduce compensation, and help your body move the way it was meant to.

If the difference is structural, we may recommend a customized heel lift or other supportive care to reduce stress on the body.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

Leg length differences don’t always cause pain right away — but over time, the imbalance can wear down joints and create long-term issues. If you’ve been dealing with unexplained pain, stiffness, or posture changes, it may be worth getting checked.

Try this at home:

• Stand barefoot in front of a mirror

• Look at your hip height

• Check your shoulder alignment

• Notice how your pants fit or if one shoe wears out faster

Find Your Balance

If you suspect a leg length issue, don’t shrug it off. Whether you’re an athlete, a runner, or someone dealing with daily discomfort, a simple chiropractic evaluation could uncover the real issue — and help you finally feel aligned again.

Need help figuring it out? Let’s take a closer look. We offer personalized care to uncover and correct the root cause of imbalance — so your body can move, heal, and function at its best. Curious if this applies to you? Schedule a posture and balance assessment here.