Whats the difference between an anatomical and a functional leg length inequality?
Anatomical LLI refers to a leg which is physically shorter than the other due to unequal growth rates, fractures, or deformities. In a functional LLI situation, both legs may be identical in length (or nearly so), but one functions as if it were shorter because of either a postural imbalance in the body or uneven muscle contractions between the two legs. An example of a functional LLI could be something like this: say the structures in your right foot (arches, bones, muscles, tendons, etc.) are all working properly and holding up their side of your body in its correct and most stable position. However, your left foot has a collapsed arch, and the bones there have dropped to a less stable position, which causes your left foot to pronate (flare out) as you stand or walk. Your left leg now functions as if it were shorter because it isn’t receiving the same amount of foot support as the right leg. This imbalance can cause pressure, stress, and pain in your knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, and
