Can Leg Length Discrepancy In An Elderly Patient Cause Any Harm?

Posted on Fri, 1 Dec 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 1 Dec 2017 Answered on

Mon, 27 May 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : Mom is 85 years old- One leg is shorter than the other- can you provide any negative impact this might have as she ages- and are there any remedies which could be followed-

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Shoe inserts can help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A shorter leg puts an extra stress on the shorter leg and the changes in gait associated with it can cause early progression of osteoarthritis and other degenerative changes in the weight bearing joints like hip and knee. She can use shoe inserts to decrease the discrepancy after consulting her orthopedician. Regular intake of calcium supplements will also help.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D