Tuesday 29 August 2017

How To Diagnose Leg Length Discrepancy

By Carl Hamilton


Limb deformities usually occur in children, with conditions such as bow legs. Aside from children, they may also occur in adults as the result of fractures if infections do not heal completely. Although some conditions may heal as the child grows, there are some conditions that would affect the way they walk of not treated. This discrepancy might be a cause of bone infections and diseases.

The signs of a limb discrepancy depend on the child and the cause of such condition. Some of the signs include pain on the knee, a problem with posture, one leg that is shorter than the other one, back, and hip pain, and walking issues. Actually, leg length discrepancy occurs when a person is born with legs inequality.

While many individuals have slight differences in the length of their legs, a significant difference between the two legs can certainly cause some problems. In fact, they can affect the way a person walks, strain hip joints, and how his or her spine lines up.

Since your body is linked to a series of ligaments, muscles, tendons, and bones, being uneven on one size may lead to excessive wear. Therefore, any joint from head to toe can be affected. It is a common occurrence for patients to tell their doctor that their knee hurts because they ran too much. When you do running, small biochemical and anatomical discrepancies may cause a lot of trouble.

Aside from that, this condition is commonly diagnosed with the help of a specialist. He or she will check the child to ensure that the legs have definitely different lengths. This must be assured because problems with the hip or the back can make an individual look to have shorter legs, even if they have equal lengths. Furthermore, the doctor may also take the medical history of both the patient and family including their recent diseases.

The treatment for such condition may depend on the difference and reasons. The doctor will be discussing the available options with you prior to making a final decision. It is crucial to note that treatment must be planned carefully. Considering a surgery is also a treatment option. In fact, people choose this procedure for different reasons.

However, the underlying causes of a length inequality still remain. It only means that after this surgical process, there is a tendency that the condition will not be corrected. This is because not all treatment option is effective for those who consider this procedure. To make sure you have chosen the best treatment for you, seek help from a doctor who specializes in this field.

The healing process may sometimes take longer time but it depends on how long you have been experiencing the condition. By correcting the causes of injuries with a doctor and provided with the best treatment option, you will expect relief in just two weeks. Most often, parents are the one to notice the condition when they see a problem with the way their kid walks.

Sometimes, discrepancies are detected when a child undergoes a screening at school. It is crucial to note, however, that such condition does not cause scoliosis. Your doctor will perform a more physical exam and use tests to verify discrepancy in length. A doctor experienced in lengthening approaches will speak with you about the treatment options and explain the benefits and risks of both external and internal lengthening. Together, you and your specialist will decide which process, if any, is best for you or your child.




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