Technical FAQ: Leg length discrepancy
Do you have any advice for correcting leg-length discrepancies?
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Originally published: April 2002
Question: Do you have any advice for correcting leg-length discrepancies? I have undergone an X-ray which revealed an 8mm discrepancy. Speedplay recommends shimming 1/2 the discrepancy. Tom Kellogg says to shim only if the difference is at the tibia. The initial report did not say whether the discrepancy is femoral or tibial. Any help is appreciated.
– Matt
Matt, on leg length, High Sierra Cycle Center makes custom cranks with the chainrings offset as well as pedals, one of which is dropped relative to the spindle and the other is raised. They also work with shims on the shoe sole under the cleats. You can e-mail them at hscc@qnet.com or call 800/438-4399.
Dr. Andy Pruitt at Boulder Center for Sports Medicine also works with leg-length discrepancies. You can see their Web site at www.bch.org/sportsmedicine or call 303/544-5700.
-Lennard