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Wednesday, July 12, 2017

By Debra Young


Some people have differences in leg length that are large enough which they could not adapt from causing them ill effects. These range from sacroiliac or low back pain to foot, knee or hip problems. The discrepancy might be caused by broken leg bones, uneven growth, diseases like polio, hip surgery and to compensate for other problems like spinal or pelvic scoliosis.

This could be treated with shoe lifts that are firm inserts for shoes which adds length on the shorter leg to have the lower body a better balance. There are companies which manufactures custom shoe lifts in order to have the exact needed height. They can be either internal or external depending on your preference and the difference between legs.

Wearing them might make each shoe feel different because some lifts have cushions on them so its more comfortable if it has no cushions. Long term comfort and minimum foot stress is important because this will usually be needed permanently. And the same elevation must be added in all shoes you regularly wear if possible.

Half an inch is the maximum elevation generally accepted for use without the stability being affected when worn. The style, fit and size of your shoes would affect the maximum height usable on them with laced ones permitting more. Because of this, more than one type of lift will be needed for the different footwear you have.

When more than half an inch of compensation is required by you then this must be added externally in the soles and heels. Less stress would be caused on your foot and lower leg with this and adding both internal and external ones is recommended for higher lifts. But remember to let your body adapt by starting small and slowly increasing to your needed height.

This ideal height you specifically need will be determined through long time experimentation because even a minor difference matters. These can improve shoe comfort and other effects that differences in leg length have on you. Try slightly changing the lift elevation and observe the effects it gives you for a number of days or weeks.

They often recommend that you start by wearing half of the measured leg length difference but must be based on how long the discrepancy had existed. If it existed for a longer time then starting small and slowly increasing to what you need is preferred. But if it is a recent change then having the full elevation is recommended to minimize adaptive changes.

The use of shoe lifts requires a medical a personal decision so it is recommended to involve health care professional. They are essential with evaluating your needs and monitor the results of wearing these items. Without their involvement then you will not know how tall exactly the lift which you must wear or more problems might be caused instead.

These can be used when doing active sports such as tennis, dancing, running or golf then a firm one is a must. They should not compress under load or make additional foot motion for good control and support. Using the wrong one will be risky because you may lose stability causing sprains and falls.




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