Short leg syndrome, or limb mismatch, is characterized by one leg shorter than the other, which is more common in children than in adults. It is classified into two types: structural and functional. The structural type is described as having a shorter leg, mainly due to hip disease or anatomical anomaly of the hip, reduced space in the knee joint, or a history of fracture or injury. On the other hand, the functional type does not contain different leg lengths. This second type has the same leg length, but one leg appears to be shorter than the other. This is believed to be due to a biochemical cause.
A syndrome is a collection of symptoms. These leg length discrepancy symptoms include a short leg, hip pain and discomfort in the knees, inflammation of the nerves in the lower back and sciatic nerve, pain in the ankles and feet, and imbalance when standing, running, or walking. If this condition is left untreated, complications such as weakness or paralysis of the lower limbs can occur.
Chiropractic is considered one of the most effective alternative health care systems for the management and treatment of short leg syndrome. People are looking for other treatments besides pain relievers and surgery. Most pain relievers are known to have side effects that can be harmful to the human body. Chiropractic is known to treat various problems and disorders of the nerves, muscles, bones and joints.
Spine manipulation is the most common treatment used by chiropractors. This is done by applying a few light thrusts to the spine. Its main purpose is to return the spine to its standard anatomical position and structure. Chiropractors believe that nerve compression is the main cause of physical discomfort and pain. Therefore, to relieve pain, the nerves need to be decompressed.
When treating short leg syndrome with chiropractors, chiropractors provide a variety of treatments without the use of invasive drugs or procedures. Before any procedure or treatment prescribed to a patient, a diagnosis is required. Diagnosis can be made based on medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. After confirming the diagnosis, the chiropractor develops the most appropriate chiropractic program for the patient.
Chiropractors also teach their patients home exercise and home care. It is very important for the patient to achieve the best possible result. Chiropractors emphasize to their patients the benefits of maintaining good posture, exercise, maintaining normal body weight, and proper lifting techniques. These health messages are essential to prevent recurrence of disease and pain. Patient compliance is one of the most important things to consider. This is mainly because, regardless of whether the patient is provided with the best therapeutic program, success cannot be achieved without his cooperation.
