This is something I test for pretty much on the first day but what all three of these clients had in common was that they have experienced their pain symptoms for quite a long time and that they had seen a variety of other rehab professionals with limited or no results.
A you can probably tell by the picture and the title, the common cause of their pain symptoms was a clinically significant leg-length imbalance (anything above 1.4cm) that was throwing their pelvis and as a result their spine out of alignment. This creates excessive loading in all three planes of motion on their knee and foot on the shorter leg while shortening and tightening the muscles around the hip of the longer leg. This creates a significant imbalance between one side of the body compared with the other side and as discussed earlier, can lead to a variety of chronic pain symptoms developed over time. Now don't get me wrong, some people can through their life with this type of imbalance and not experience any pain symptoms, while in other people it may have a significant affect on that person's quality of life. These symptoms can be highlighted by an increase in physical activity or even something as simple as a change of footwear.
Now this is a dead easy fix to help this, and it comes in the form of an artificial heel lift or simple orthotic. I have mentioned this before in articles, I usually do not endorse products and I am certainly not on commission (although I wish I was) but the one I have been using for the past couple of years with some great results with a variety of clients is the Clearly Adjustable Heel Lifts (see picture below).
Now I use these for a number of reasons; a) they are very cheap; b) they are comfortable; c) they are not permanent; d) we can adjust them to suit the individual and make minor adjustments over a period of time.
Now in no way am I saying this is the cause of all problems but it is more common than you think. So if you are in a great deal of pain or discomfort and other methods or treatments have not worked, book yourself into see a qualified therapist and get this checked out.
Being pain free really can be as simple as spending a tenner on a piece of plastic that fits into your shoe!
If this sounds like something you might be experiencing, or know someone who is then please get in touch. I would be only too happy to answer any questions you might have.
Either drop me an email to: darrenthomas10@hotmail.com or give me a call on 07834616197.
