Leg length differences

How common and is it a problem?

3/25/20251 min read

pair of black-and-white sneakers
pair of black-and-white sneakers

Approximately 40-70% of the population has some degree of leg length discrepancy (LLD), though the exact percentage varies depending on how it's measured and defined. Most cases are minor—less than 1 cm (about 0.4 inches)—and don’t cause noticeable issues. Studies suggest that around 90% of people have a discrepancy of at least 1 mm, but only about 1 in 1,000 individuals has a difference significant enough (typically over 2 cm or 0.8 inches) to require medical intervention like orthotics or surgery. Factors like age, injury, or conditions such as scoliosis can influence prevalence and severity.

*as always this content should not be considered medical advice.