One leg shorter than the other

[PeterBrash]

I’ve been running for a couple of years now but recently have started to have a lot of discomfort in my lower right leg.

Started in May with posterior tibial tendonitis. That cleared up after getting insoles (I have an almost flat right foot). Earlier this year stated running after a break and started to suffer with shin splints. Exercise seems to have cured that but the pain seems to change from one place to the other.

I’ve seen chiropractors before and been told that my right leg is shorter than the left. Not sure whether this is where the problem stems from.

Recently looking down when I’m running I notice my left leg seems to be in line with my hip but my right leg seems to be a lot closer to the middle of my body.

Is this anything that people recognise? Is there a way to rectify this?

Any help appreciated.

[Knittingrunner Graduate10]

I’m no physio but I’d start with getting gait analysis. A good shop can put inserts in that can make a huge difference. If that doesn’t work then maybe a sports physio. Hope you sort it out. Good luck.

[Boxcar Graduate10 in reply to Knittingrunner]

Physio’s advice for me was strengthening core & glutes to address the weaker side & even it out.

[Boxcar Graduate10 in reply to Knittingrunner]

Sorry posted that in the wrong place!

[PeterBrash Graduate10 in reply to Knittingrunner]

Thanks. I did have gait analysis last year. To be honest though I’m not sure it was as thorough as it should have been. Pointed out some over pronation on the right side and that was it.

Maybe I should try again elsewhere.

[Knittingrunner Graduate10 in reply to PeterBrash]

It’s worth a try. I’m not sure what training staff get to do the gait analysis but certainly I had a good experience in my local shop and my shoes have been so much better than my old ones and have made running so much more comfortable. Good luck.

[Boxcar Graduate10]

I definitely recognise but have no answers, sorry. I also had posterior tibial tendinitis last summer when first attempting the bridge to 10k. I took 3 months out. Had gait analysis with a sports podiatrist. I too now have insoles. My problem is restricted hip movement on one side and that’s pulling my leg in similar to what you describe - picked up by the gait analysis & confirmed by physio. Anyway lots of strengthening exercises & a slow ease back into it got me up running again. But I’ve also just started to suffer what I think is posterior shin splints. I’m seeing a sports physio tomorrow to check it out & work out what to do from here. Get professional advice to ensure correct diagnosis, no further damage & a quick(er) come back is my advice.

[Boxcar Graduate10 in reply to Boxcar]

Physio’s advice to me was strengthen core & glutes. My one side is definitely weaker than the other. Stronger glutes should pull the weak leg back in line.

[PeterBrash Graduate10 in reply to Boxcar]

Thanks Boxcar. There is a good video on here that seems to have helped me with shin splints.

I do a range of core exercises on most non run days. Maybe I’ll look into strengthening the glutes if I’m not doing so already.

Good luck with the shin splints. I can try and dig out the video if it helps?

[Boxcar Graduate10 in reply to PeterBrash]

Thanks. My shin splints aren’t too bad - sports massage & calf exercises have sorted them. I should be ok to run again next week. I’m now focusing on sorting out my gait / hip because that seems to be the route of my troubles. 👍