Getting to Know Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves abnormally. Although this condition can appear in a person at any age, it often occurs during a period of rapid growth, such as adolescence. One sign that is often missed is the difference in leg length. This condition is often ignored or considered trivial, even though it can be an early sign of scoliosis. Scoliosis is a disorder of the spine where the spine curves laterally (to the side) which makes the spine look like the letter "S" or "C". Scoliosis can be caused by genetic factors, poor posture, or other medical conditions.
Long legs on one side are a sign of scoliosis?
One sometimes overlooked sign of scoliosis is a difference in leg length. In many cases, legs that are longer on one side are the result of spinal curvature which affects overall body posture. This imbalance can cause body weight to be distributed unevenly, causing additional pressure on one side of the body and causing the legs to appear longer.
This condition indicates that one leg is longer than the other. If the difference is not significant, there may be no symptoms. The main symptom of leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a length imbalance between the legs. Even though the difference is small, it can cause the pelvic bones to make adjustments to balance body posture. It can impact the quality of life of someone who suffers from it. An imbalance in leg length can cause the hips to tilt when standing, or cause the sufferer to feel more comfortable with bending the knees.
Scoliosis and its Relationship to Leg Length Discrepancy
Scoliosis occurs when the spine curves to adjust for hip imbalances caused by differences in leg length. Over time, this condition can cause joint problems, such as inflammation of the spine, hips and knees. A significant difference between the length of the left and right legs can cause additional symptoms such as changes in gait or pain in the spine, hips, knees and ankles. Apart from that, fatigue can also be an additional symptom that appears.
Differences in leg length are often difficult to identify with the naked eye, especially if the differences are small. However, there are several ways to detect it:
- Physical Examination by a Doctor
Before an examination is carried out with more sophisticated tools, the doctor will perform a physical examination. This physical examination is assisted by using a tape measure to measure the length of each patient's legs. If it is difficult to see the difference in leg length, then an X-Ray is performed. - X-Ray (Long Leg View)
X-Ray is a diagnostic procedure that uses radiation to produce images of parts of the body, especially the spine, and provides an overview of the structure and contour of the bones. X-ray images of the spine are used to detect various possible causes of pain, such as infections, fractures, deformities, and others.
What's the Next Action?
If you or someone you know has legs that appear longer on one side, it is important to consult a doctor or health professional. They can perform further tests to determine whether the difference in leg length is a sign of scoliosis or another medical condition. Prompt and early treatment can help prevent further complications and improve quality of life. There are several suggestions for you:
- If you feel pain, you can take painkillers.
- It is best to avoid activities that are strenuous and involve the spine.
- Increase your alertness if you feel numb or weak or unable to hold your urine. If you have this complaint, you must immediately contact a doctor.
Differences in leg length may not only cause self-doubt, but can also be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as scoliosis. It is important to pay attention to changes in the body and consult an experienced doctor if you have any concerns. With early detection and appropriate treatment, you can better manage conditions like scoliosis and prevent potentially more serious complications.
Article written by dr. Jephtah Tobing, MD, B.Med.Sci (Hons), Sp.OT (K-Spine) (Specialist in Orthopedic Traumatology, Spine Consultant at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).