Good Exercise for different size legs (muscles, spin, runner, weight)

[artillery77]

Ok, so this is an odd question, but maybe there's a useful answer out there. I have one leg that is about an inch and a quarter longer than the other. It seems stupid, but I always end up putting my weight on the shorter leg. Over time this has not helped my frame/posture etc.

I want to work on this, but I'm not entirely sure how. Any ideas?

[Mary2014]

That is a big difference. Are you sure one leg is actually shorter or is it the result of a curved spine (Scoliosis) that makes it appear shorter because the curvature in the spine is pulling the shorter leg up so that your hips are not level?


If it is due to scoliosis, the exercises will depend upon the shape of the curve in your spine. If your leg is actually shorter (but, your hips are level) a specially made shoe for the shorter leg maybe in order.


In either case your best bet is to see a doctor to determine the exact problem and how to proceed.


I was born with mild scoliosis such that my left leg seemed to be about 1/2 inch shorter when I walked. The muscles in my left side/back over many years got tighter and tighter. I finally got some relief with some stretching exercises I was taught to loosen up the muscles in my left side.


If it is scoliosis, the shape of the curvature will determine the appropriate stretching exercises and would be unique to each individual. If it is truly one leg being shorter than the other a special shoe for the shorter foot may be the answer.

[artillery77]

Thanks for the response. Yes it's a pretty big difference. I think it was from a broken leg I had as a kid. My wife runs an alterations store, and the first couple times she did pants for me was amazed at how they came out looking bad, so she measured the pants and discovered it. (Normally you want the pant legs to be equal.)

So something like standing at attention with feet in place was always uncomfortable, but it seems to have gotten worse recently. I found these that I'll try to see if it helps at all:

Wharton's Simple Solutions | Runner's World

[Mary2014]

OP,


You might want to talk to a doctor about having one pair of custom shoes made with one shoe having a higher heel. Not sure what type of doctor this is called - but, I known a few people who have had custom shoes made to minimize the pain due to one shorter leg.