Unequal Leg Length in Polio Patients Treated with Heel Lifts

Polio patients commonly have a short leg and or scoliosis that can be treated with a heel lift. This limb length discrepancy is permanent. Many post-polio patients will have lower back pain, hip, knee, and ankle pain due to the unequal limb length. Physicians can easily treat the patient's discomfort with a simple heel lift. Usually, a heel lift that is dispensed is about 1/2 the limb length discrepancy. The proper height depends on the patient's comfort level and how long they have had the short limb.

Heel lifts are placed on the short leg side underneath the shoe's insole. This allows the heel lift to sit firmly at the bottom of the shoe. This provides optimum control and comfort to the patient. In shoe heel lifts can be manufactured from cork and EVA/rubber blend. They come in different heights to correct the limb discrepancy. 

Atlas Biomechanics manufacturers heel lifts here in the USA from medical grade cork and eva/rubber. They come in heights of 1/8" (3mm) heel lift, 1/4" (6mm) heel lift, 3/8" (9mm) heel lift and 1/2" (12mm) heel lift. An adjustable heel lift, that allows the heel riser to properly fit the short leg is a common type for polio patients.  The 1/4" heel lift is our most popular short leg lift for polio patients.

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics

About Atlas Biomechanics: We are a woman-owned sports medical manufacturer of heel lifts, foot pads, and heat mold orthotics.