Heel lifts when placed in shoes can decrease chronic low pain in patients with limb length inequality, according to a study at the Durham VA Medical Center.
In their study they wanted to determine what changes occur in pain and disability when a shoe heel lift is given to patients with chronic low back pain who also have limb length discrepancy. When the short leg gait compensates, there is a bowing in the lower back causing pain. They rated pain and disability in the patients before they received a heel lift and after. Subjects determined their lift height based on resolution of low back pain symptoms.
Following heel lift intervention, 9 of 12 subjects had reduction in low back pain and 9 of 12 patients also had decreased disability. The conclusion of the study is that shoe heel lifts may reduce low back pain and improve function for patients who have chronic low back pain and a limb length inequality.
When a patient comes to our office with low back pain, a practitioner should evaluate for limb length discrepancy. And when a patient who had a limb shorting surgery such as a knee or hip replacement surgery, the practitioner should evaluate for a low back pain.
Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics
About Atlas Biomechanics. We are a woman owned sports medical manufacturer of heel lifts, heat mold orthotics and foot pads. We produce 3 mm heel lift, 6 mm heel lift, and 9 mm heel lift
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