Leg Length Discrepancy and Running -- Heel lifts?
Hello -- During my bike fit yesterday, my fitter discovered that my left leg is about 5-9mm longer than my right leg. We made some adjustments to my shoes/cleats to even me out, and I can already tell a difference on the bike. My question is about running: I did a quick google search and it sounds that people with such a small discrepancy use heel inserts to balance themselves out. Does anyone here have any experience with a) this issue; b) different types of heel inserts and can recommend brands to use/stay away from? I did read some horror stories from people who said that things got worse after using inserts, so I'm also wondering if I should see my ortho or PT first? I've never really had running issues in the past, although the occasional left knee pain if I do too many intervals or add too much mileage too soon. I just don't want to wake up ten years from now w/ knee and hip problems...
Thanks for any feedback. Don't take this personally, but I hope to not have to visit this particular forum that often in the future!
Comments
Have you had any issues, or did they just "notice" the LLD? I am a physical therapist and I'll tell you the only way to actually diagnose a LLD is through imaging (ie x-ray). No one is symmetrical and you have to look at pelvic levels, sitting and standing positioning, hip levels, etc. to determine why one leg looks longer. If you've been training and haven't had any symptoms, you probably shouldn't add height to your shoe. It can be a recipe for disaster. Also, if we're talking a 1/4 of an inch or possibly less, a lift isn't usually necessary. I would recommend seeing your PT if you're having knee/hip/back pain or problems, but probably not if your doing fine with your training. I hope this helps!
Jessie
I am 100% with what Jessie said!!! As a massage therapist I see people who have been told the same thing and wonder about shoe inserts. a really simple test is the 2 scale test. get 2 like scales side by side...put one foot on each (with and without your shoes on) and see if there is any difference in the weight readings. If it is a large #, I would recomend a place like In-Step in boulder Colorado www.instepbldr.com Talk to RL, he is a former pro duathlete and has been doing this for 25 years or so. He may tell you that you are fine and need nothing, he may make you a pair of lifts...its all custom fitted, so it will work either way.
On the other hand, if you are not having any trouble with your run, let sleeping dogs lay!!!