Leg length discrepancy due to hip surgery.

Posted , 4 users are following.

I have been suffering with tremendous pain due to a 2 inch leg length discrepancy which occured after 2010 left hip replacement. Now my PT wants to attempt lifts that equal to 1&1/12 " or rt. shoe corrections which are costly if done in increments of 1/4" at a time. Pain in right hip and lower back is unbearable at times and adjusting to gradual 1/4" increases in the built in shoe lifts are even more painful. Quality of life is "crappy", to say the least. Anyone out there with similar problems?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    I've had  a discrepancy in the pelvis since childhood of at least 2 inches as I was born with dislocated hip and different sized pelvis. In those days they didn't do anything to rectify the difference and I have a bent spine now. I got arthritis in the hip as an adult and had shoe raises of about 3/4 inch. Then I had the hip replaced and the leg was a bit longer so got rid of them. Probably shouldn't have as there is still 1/1/2 inch difference. At the moment i have a shoe insert of about half an inch. I have just had the other hip done but don't think there is any difference. Think I will probably put up with it as I'm a bit old for changing the spine now.

    Yours is quite recent but you have had 4 years of it. I would have thought though that if you could equalise the legs that would be best. You don't want your spine to be bent like mine.

    • Posted

      I am sure you have suffered much more than I and I admire your endurance. I really wish there were more oversight with orthopedists when it comes to this quagmire. Thank you for your reply. It's good to meet you!
  • Posted

    I have a discrepancy of an inch and a half since my right hip was replaced 4 weeks ago. Ive been referred to orthotics to get my left shoes raised by the difference. i assume youre in the US as you're having to pay. I wouldnt recommend lifts because more than a centimeter makes your shoes fall off. My back is torture after just a month and the other hip is already suffering. I was hoping for at least a year before getting the other hip done but i might not manage that long.. 
    • Posted

      Oh Helen. I can so sympathize with your pain. I am hopeful you will get some kind of relief soon because I don't feel anyone should suffer like this for an extended period of time. Please keep me posted on your progress. It's good to meet you and thanks for responding to my post!

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