Most of us hear the terms bowlegged and knock-kneed in relation to children. Kids go through stages of both conditions as they grow and develop but their legs generally straighten out by six to eight years old. Adults can become bowlegged or knock-kneed as well, usually from weakened knee ligaments and deteriorating cartilage. But, unlike in children, these problems aren’t the kind that will self-correct with age. Without proper attention from a medical professional, they may even lead to more serious conditions. The signs of a knee joint deformity can be subtle as an adult. You may not even realize you have one of these conditions. Could you be a bow-legged or knock-kneed adult?

Causes and Symptoms

Adults who are bowlegged have a condition called Genu Varum, which causes the knee joint to angle outward. It is also commonly called “varus knee.” The opposite condition is called Genu Valgum—or “valgus knee”—where the knee joint is angled inward. Both conditions have similar causes. The individual may have experienced infection, tumor, or injury in the knee or leg, their bones may have been malformed since childhood due to a calcium and vitamin C deficiency, they may have strained knees due to obesity or arthritis, or they could have an existing bone condition like Blount’s disease of Paget’s disease of the bone. The most common symptom for both conditions is the physical appearance of the legs as knock-kneed or bowlegged followed by stiff joints, knee pain, and walking with a limp.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If these symptoms sound familiar to you, give your doctor or specialist a call. They can help diagnose the problem by observing how you stand and walk or by ordering an X-ray or MRI to take a closer look at your bone alignment. Genu Varum and Genu Valgum treatment in adults will depend on the severity of your symptoms. In more advanced cases, surgery and legs braces may be necessary to correct the misaligned joints. If your symptoms are less severe, your doctor may prescribe medication to ease joint pain, or he or she may recommend an over the counter orthotic.

Warwick Wedge: A Simple and Inexpensive Solution

It may come as a surprise to be diagnosed with bowlegs or knock-knees as an adult. The joint misalignment causing your pain could be so slight you don’t notice much angling inward or outward when you look at your legs in the mirror. But if your doctor thinks an over the counter orthotic could help you, treatment may be easier than you think. Consider the Warwick Wedge. Our insoles are placed in the shoe to correct for the inward or outward angulation of the knee joint. By reducing the pronation (rolling in) or supination (rolling out) of the foot, the Warwick Wedge works to relieve the pain and stiffness often caused by misaligned joints.

Only your doctor or specialist can offer counsel on the best treatment for you but it’s important to know the options available. For some patients, the Warwick Wedge could be the easiest and most cost-effective way to find relief from your symptoms.

Dr. Joseph Geelan, DC, has been providing chiropractic care in Marion, Iowa since 1976. After graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, he established the Geelan Chiropractic Center. He is a current member and past president of the Iowa Chiropractic Society.

Dr. Geelan prescribes the Adjust-a-Lift® heel lift to his patients who require a heel lift for a leg length discrepancy. We sat down with Dr. Geelan to discuss his process for diagnosing a difference in leg lengths, and what makes the Adjust-a-Lift® different than others on the market.

Q. What symptoms would a patient describe that would make you suspect a leg length deficiency?

Dr. Geelan: Some of the symptoms would be general lower back discomfort, neuropathy, leg pain, sciatica; things that you know are coming from a vertebra out of place and interfering with nerve supply.

Additionally, if an individual has had an event that altered the pelvis and the lumbar spine—knee replacement, hip replacement, fracture of a foot, ankle, knee, leg, or any type of surgical procedures on those areas—those are typical indicators of the juxtaposition of the pelvis.

Q: How do you determine whether a patient needs a heel lift?

Dr. Geelan: I use a simple full spine X-ray method. On the X-ray, I measure and mark specific points, then use them to make calculations. You can have a slight difference in leg lengths and not need a heel lift. However, if the X-ray reveals a leg length deficiency, plus rotation of the sacrum and rotation of the fifth lumbar, I will suggest the patient wear a heel lift. Otherwise, the correction of the subluxation that I perform in the office will not hold. Using a lift in the shoe of the shorter leg will help hold the chiropractic adjustment. Without the heel lift, that vertebra is going to continue slipping out of place.

Q. Why do you recommend the Adjust-a-Lift® heel lift?

Dr. Geelan: The Adjust-a-Lift® is unique in that it can be adjusted simply by peeling off one or two of the three 1/8-inch layers to make it the height you need. It’s also constructed from rubber, so it has the proper durometer to absorb impact in walking, in supination or pronation. That makes it both comfortable and flexible. It’s also designed with adhesive, so it stays in place in the shoe instead of sliding around.

Watch Dr. Geelan’s method for determining the use of a heel lift for leg length discrepancy and learn how the Adjust-a-Lift® heel lift helped his patient, Tara, overcome the discomfort of a leg length discrepancy.

 

A leg length discrepancy diagnosis can be surprising, but with a proper heel lift, the adjustment can be easy and inexpensive.

For more information on all of our products, see all of our blog posts and follow us on Facebook.

 

 

It’s estimated that about 40-70% of people have some degree of a leg length discrepancy. That simply means one leg is longer than the other. The difference is often so slight, it may not cause a problem.

However, if you’re an active runner, the condition may reveal itself in the form of low back pain and/or hip pain as the body attempts to compensate for the imbalance. 

Here’s what you need to know about the different causes of a leg length discrepancy, how it can be diagnosed, and how a heel lift can help keep your running on track.

Two types of leg length discrepancies

There are two different issues that can cause a difference in leg length: anatomical and functional.

An anatomical difference is when a bone in one leg is longer than the bone in the other leg. This can be diagnosed medical imaging such as X-ray or CT scans.

In a functional difference, the bones are equal in length, but a muscle imbalance, curvature of the spine, or even arthritis-related issues alters the alignment of the hips over time.

How to determine if you have a leg length discrepancy

While medical imaging is the only way to diagnose an anatomical difference, determining a functional difference can be more difficult. According to Runner’s World, there is a simple test you can try at home:

1. Lie barefoot on your back with your legs together. Ask a friend to place the palms of his hands on your hip bones—one hand on either hip.
2. Have your friend gently rock your hips side-to-side for about a minute. The goal is to allow your muscles to loosen up and relax.
3. Ask your friend to look at your feet to see if your ankle bones are even.

If your ankles don’t appear to be even, loosen up muscles further though simple stretches and repeat steps one through three.

If the at-home test reveals a possible imbalance, visit a healthcare professional for an official diagnosis.

How does a heel lift help with a leg length discrepancy?

Depending on your diagnosis, you may be prescribed a heel lift to wear in the shoe of your shorter leg. Heel lift therapy is a non-invasive, safe, and inexpensive way to help balance the discrepancy.

It’s important to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider. He or she may suggest you start using a lift for limited periods of time at first to allow your body to adjust gradually—especially when running.

An adjustable appliance such as the Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift will also make it easier to become accustomed to the change, as layers can be removed and added back to the lift as your needs progress. The lift’s three-layer construction of extra firm, open cell foam rubber also provides support with some flexibility, which can make it easier to adapt to in a running shoe.

Heel lifts for running issues

Heel lifts that fit inside the shoe are also often prescribed for other common overuse injuries related to running, including: 

Achilles Tendonitis. A heel lift in each shoe can help decrease stress exerted on the Achilles tendon and reduce heel pressure.

Plantar Fasciitis. Heel lifts work to take pressure off the plantar fascia fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot by shortening the length your calf must stretch during your stride.

Heel Spurs. For a heel spur that occurs at the back of the heel, a heel lift can potentially provide pain relief as it reduces stress on the Achilles tendon.

To determine whether heel lift therapy is the right treatment for a leg length deficiency or other overuse injury related to running, visit a healthcare provider. Should he or she suggest a heel insert, you’ll find the most versatile treatment option in the Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift.

 

 

 

 

 

If you’ve tried searching online for heel inserts, heel support insoles, or a similar name variation, you were likely overwhelmed with the choices.

With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine the differences, and which product would be a good fit for your needs.

The Kinetic Comfort Heel Pads are different from most insoles on the market. We’ve outlined the common features and benefits that set them apart from others.

1. Versatility

Kinetic Comfort Heel Pads are ideal heel orthotic inserts for those who spend long hours on their feet, but the simple design also makes them an excellent choice for anyone who wants a layer of shock-absorbing comfort without the bulk of typical rubbery heel insoles. Wear them in work boots you wear daily on hard concrete, workout shoes you exercise in, or even casual shoes you wear occasionally. You’ll appreciate the benefits regardless of your work or lifestyle.

2 . Multi-purpose pain relief

Although called heel pads, the Kinetic Comfort Heel Pads do more than relieve heel pain. The shoe inserts are designed to relieve aches and discomfort that come from the constant accumulation of microtrauma from standing and walking. Symptoms can vary from specific pain in the foot, ankle, hip, or lower back, to overall joint pain or arthritis. If you stand, walk, or run on hard surfaces such as concrete, the stress on the body is heightened.

Think of the skeletal structure of the body as a closed kinetic chain that begins at when your heel hits the ground. Reducing the shock at the heel strike with a padded layer helps lessen the stress that radiates up into the heel, foot, knee, lower back, and hip.

3. Fit

You’ll find that the majority of over-the-counter orthotics are available in just one size and must be trimmed to fit a shoe. That leaves room for error if you cut them too small or uneven. With the Kinetic Comfort Heel Pads, you’ll choose from three different sizes based on width and length, to better ensure a proper fit in the shoes.

4. Comfort 

The low-profile design of the Kinetic Comfort Heel Pads makes them an easy addition to most any shoe. A tapered design creates a smooth transition to the shoe, for a comfortable feel from day one. Heel cups in a thick rubber don’t always fit well in shoes that have a narrow heel or lower back and can make your    shoes feel tight.

5. Design

A unique open cell, extra firm density foam rubber design provides a layer of comfort that reduces stress up from the heel, without the bulk of more cushioned inserts. The rubber bottom also ensures they stay in place, yet without sticking permanently and making them difficult to remove. A suede cover provides durability and helps the inserts keep their shape. To clean, simply wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap.

The Kinetic Comfort Heel Pads are sold as a pair. Order online at: Kinetic Comfort Heel Pads.

Additional removable shoe insoles options

Looking for a heel lift or a full-length insole option? Our product line also includes:

Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift.  Flexible, comfortable heel lift can be adjusted to the height you need to address a leg length discrepancy.

Full Sole Insert. Simple full-length design is available in a range of sizes for a perfect fit.

 

While Midwesterners usually look forward to the return of warm weather in the spring, there was something about it that Jennifer Krane had started to dread. It meant either having to wear socks and shoes even on the hottest days; or wearing sandals but dealing with the low back and hip pain that came from not being able to wear her heel lift.

Diagnosed with a leg length discrepancy by a physical therapist when she was in her early 20s, she hasn’t always been consistent in wearing the prescribed heel lift that helps correct the issue—especially when it interfered with wearing summer sandals and flip-flops.

“I admit I’ve often chosen style over comfort when it came to my summer shoe selection,” said Krane.

But after extended bouts with hip bursitis and iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome that sidelined her love of running, she had gotten better over the years about wearing her heel lift, as she knew it helped keep her hips even, and the pain at bay. However, having to wear regular shoes and socks throughout the summer was still an annoyance, especially when temps climbed into the 80s and 90s in Iowa.

This year, she’s been able to have the best of both worlds: wearing sandals with her heel lift. It’s been possible thanks to the new Heel Lift Ankle Sock that’s designed to hold the Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift securely and comfortably—even with open toe shoes, sandals, and flip-flops.

The sock’s micro polyester/spandex fabrication is lightweight and stretchy for comfort and is also machine washable. Available in both black and tan, the slim design conforms to the foot for a seamless look with a variety of summer shoes.

For Krane, the sock has been a welcome addition and has already been a game-changer in the first few warmer months of Spring. She’s also found that wearing it at times she would normally be barefoot—such as during yoga and around the house—has made a difference in her comfort level.

“I’m super excited to have something designed specifically to keep a heel lift secure with requiring a shoe,” said Krane. “The Heel Lift Ankle Sock is such a simple, easy solution for those of us who find relief with a heel lift or other type of heel pad appliance.”

Have you been using the Heel Lift Ankle Sock to secure your heel pad? Let us know! We’d love to hear your success story. Email us today. You just might find yourself featured here in a future story!

 

 

Although it’s estimated that up to 90% of people have a leg length discrepancy, it’s still a condition that many aren’t aware of—or know how to alleviate aches and pains it can cause.

We’ve put together a list of the common questions we receive about leg length discrepancy and our popular

Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift. If you have a question you don’t see answered here, contact us.

Q: What is a leg length discrepancy?

A: Also called a leg length deficiency, it is when one leg is shorter than the other. The difference in length can be so slight it’s not noticeable and causes no issues, but those with a greater discrepancy between the two lengths can experience a range of aches and pains.

Q: What causes a difference in leg lengths?

A: There are two types of leg length discrepancies: structural and functional. A structural discrepancy occurs when either the femur or tibia bone grows to a shorter length in one leg. A functional leg length discrepancy can happen as a result of a fracture or other trauma to one side of the body. An imbalance in the tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the legs, glutes, and hips can also result in a functional shortening of the leg.

Q: How is a leg length discrepancy diagnosed?

A: A diagnosis typically involves an exam with a healthcare provider, which will include going over a complete medical history to review any fractures, accidents or events that may have impacted one side of the body. The patient will also be observed walking, sitting, standing, and moving. If needed, X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required.

Q: How can I tell if I have one leg shorter than the other?

A: Side effects of living with a leg length discrepancy will vary widely based on how pronounced the difference is, as well as activity level and other factors. Pain in the lower back, sacroiliac (SI) joints, hips and glutes is the most common issue. The knee, ankle, foot and/or sciatica on the side of the short leg may also become painful. And because the pelvis is affected with a discrepancy in leg lengths, pain can also radiate up through the spine and into the neck, shoulder, and upper back.

Q: How can you fix a difference in leg lengths?

A: For small differences that produce no side effects, your healthcare provider may determine no treatment is needed. For differences that are 1/8-inch or greater, he or she may suggest using a heel lift. For a difference greater than one inch, your healthcare provider may suggest a medical or surgical procedure.

Q: How do I use a heel lift for leg length discrepancy?

A: The Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift is ideal for a leg length discrepancy due to its adjustability. The three layers of 1/8-inch thick extra firm, open cell foam rubber are designed to simply peel away so you can create the desired height you need, up to approximately 1/2-inch. Simply insert the lift into the shoe of your shorter leg.For warm weather sandals, or for times when you need the lift but are not wearing shoes—yoga, Pilates, or around the house—the Adjustable Heel Lift Ankle Sock allows you to tuck the lift securely into an inside pocket.

A leg length discrepancy diagnosis can sound frightening, but the good news is that a proper heel lift designed for a leg length difference can be a quick and easy adjustment. It can also be a relief to understand the reason for your aches and pains and to learn it’s not an uncommon condition.

 

If you use a heel appliance to relieve pain from a leg length discrepancy, varus, valgus, pronation or supination, summer usually means you either 1) wear sandals and deal with the discomfort of not using your heel insert; or 2) continue to wear regular shoes and heel insert during the hottest months of the year to keep your pain under control.

Now you can have the best of both worlds: cool, summertime shoes AND continued relief from pain thanks to the Adjustable Heel Lift Ankle Sock.

As the name indicates, this ankle sock for heel lifts was designed for use with the Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift, but it’s also ideal for use with the Warwick Wedge™ and the Kinetic Comfort Heel Pad. The comfortable, open toe design has a therapy pocket concealed inside to securely hold a heel insert. That makes it easy to wear sandals or flip-flops, while keeping your heel lift insert in place. It’s also the perfect solution for ballet, Pilates, yoga, or any other type of activity that is best done in bare feet.

If you’re planning to undergo a total knee replacement or a hip replacement, your doctor may suggest a heel lift post-surgery if you have a leg length deficiency. Wearing the ankle sock with the Adjust-A-Lift Heel Lift is an easy way to gain add up to 1/2-inch of added lift while at home, without having to wear shoes in the house.

A spandex/polyester blend makes the sock stretchy enough to hold the heel appliance, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable around the foot and ankle. To determine your size, measure just about the ankle bone (talus), and select the size closest to your circumference:

6-7″: XX Small
7-8″: X Small
8-9″: Small
9-10″: Medium

If you’re between measurements, we suggest sizing down for the best fit. Large, XL, and XXL sizes are in limited supply; please email us for more information on availability.

Whether you’re new to wearing a heel lift or other heel insert appliance, or you’ve had one for a while, there’s no better time than now to add an ankle sock for heel lifts to your summer shoe collection.

If you have an active pre-teen or teenager who puts in long hours on the sports field, practice court or dance studio, there’s a chance you’ve heard of a painful heel condition called Sever’s disease.

Sever’s disease is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. It is one of the most common causes of foot pain in active children and adolescents and flares during growth spurts when there is repetitive stress to the heel during physical activity.

While it’s most common in individuals who participate in sports, dance and other activities that involve jumping and running, it can also cause pain for those who may be less active but who wear very flat shoes.

Sever’s disease will not cause long term damage or arthritis and will resolve on its own once the child stops growing, but until then it can be very painful. Once diagnosed by a physician, treatment typically resolves taking time off from the activity causing the condition.

In addition to icing, stretches, strengthening exercises, and possibly a course of oral anti- inflammatories, the child’s physician may also suggest heel pads worn inside the shoe to lift the heel. Because it’s believed that the pain of Sever’s disease is caused by an excessive pulling on the Achilles tendon on the back of the heel, lifting the heel via a shoe insert can take some tension off the heel area. Heel lifts for Sever’s disease can be an easy, effective and affordable way to help ease the chronic pain.

Sever’s disease is most common during the adolescent growth spurt, which for girls is typically between the ages of eight and 13, and for boys, between age 10 and 15. This can make it difficult to find a heel lift in a smaller size. Unlike traditional heel lifts, the Adjust-a-Lift® Heel Lift is available in three different sizes to accommodate a range of foot widths.

Additionally, the adjustable design also makes it ideal for use as the child begins to return to normal when the pain starts to subside. At the onset of treatment, the full height lift can be worn, before gradually reducing the height by removing one of the three 1/8 inch layers.

While Sever’s disease will eventually go away on its own, it’s a pain too great to ignore for an active child or adolescent. Help ease the discomfort on the path to recovery with a simple, cost-effective and versatile treatment option in the  Adjust-a-Lift® Heel Lift.

 

When you think of a typical shoe full sole insert replacement, a thick, rubbery piece  that crowds your feet likely comes to mind.

What if you could find a low-profile insole that provided comfort from heel to toe? One made of a firm rubber, so it doesn’t just cushion, but provides support to absorb foot pressure when standing, walking or jumping.

What if you could find a full-length insole that’s crafted with a durable yet lightweight breathable top layer, so it looks as good as it feels—even in dress shoes?

Better yet: what if an insole came in multiple sizes to reduce the need for trimming it to fit your shoes (and the risk that you’ll cut it too small)—which in turn can also help retain the integrity of the shoe’s shape?

You can find all of this and more in the Full Sole Insert.

How is the Full Sole Insert different?

Like our popular Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift, our insert is constructed of a single layer of extra firm, open cell foam rubber and a top layer in an attractive, high quality suede leather that looks attractive and feels comfortable under foot.

We’ve designed the insoles in a total of 12 sizes across both men’s and women’s sizing, to offer the most customized fit available, yet it can still be trimmed if needed.

The Full Sole Insert is sold individually rather than in a pair, so you buy only what you need. That also makes it a viable option for those with minor leg length discrepancy. If you require a heel lift of up to 3/8 inch, but don’t like the way a traditional lift raises only your heel, the insert may be an option by using two inserts in one shoe.

Flat insole is heel lift-friendly design

If you prefer to stick to an appliance that lifts the heel, like the  Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift, Warwick Wedge™ or Kinetic Comfort Heel Pad, the pliable, lightweight and flat design of the Full Sole Insert also works over or under heel appliances.

Whether you need to replace old, worn out insoles to add comfort and style, or want to address your leg length discrepancy with a full-length appliance, the Full Sole Insert may be your answer.

 

 

If you’re a weightlifter, you’re all about making the most of your time in the gym: working to improve your form, perfecting your technique and engaging muscles as efficiently as possible. You also likely don’t want to spend a lot of money on new gear and equipment.

Now there’s an easy way to transform your workout shoes into a style designed for weightlifting: Adjust-A-Lift® adjustable heel lifts.

Traditional weightlifting shoes have a raised heel. But with the rise in more functional training workouts, cross-training shoes have become the norm. Rather than investing in a special pair of shoes just for weightlifting, the Adjust-A-Lift® quickly and easily slips into your regular cross-trainers, adding up to 1/2-inch and increasing your heel to toe drop ratio.

Why heel lifts for weightlifting? 

An elevated heel allows for a deeper squat position, creating a more upright seated position throughout the torso. This in turn can make it easier to hold the barbell and thrust it upward. In addition to squats, an elevated heel position in weightlifting can also help improve form and technique in pistol squats, snatches and cleans.

What if I do other workouts like CrossFit, besides weightlifting? 

The lightweight flexibility of the Adjust-A-Lift® offers the best of both worlds: added height that doesn’t limit your ability to complete conditioning movements like wall ball throws, thrusters, interval runs, box jumps and double-unders. In fact, an elevated heel position can be beneficial for those with ankles that are weak or have limited mobility.

Why Adjust-A-Lift® heel lifts? 

An elevated heel position has been the gold standard for weightlifters, but purchasing shoes used just for weightlifting is not always practical—especially for those who also mix in other forms of functional exercise into their workouts.

With Adjust-A-Lift® heel lifts, customization is key. A three-layer construction lets you decide how thick you want your inserts. Each layer is 1/8-inch thick with adhesive on both sides. Simply pull the layers apart to use just one or two, or keep the lift intact with all three layers. The adhesive also keeps the lifts in place in your shoes—no sliding around or need to stop mid-workout to adjust.

This flexible design also allows you to gradually build up your heel lift height over time, so your body can gradually adapt to the change. The extra firm, open cell foam layers keep the inserts lightweight but unlike gel inserts, the Adjust-A-Lift® has a suede leather top for added durability. And because heel size varies, you can choose from three different sizes to ensure a truly customized fit in width and height.

If you’ve considered adding heel lifts to your workouts, the Adjust-A-Lift® heel lifts are the perfect way to get started. Order yours now.

Have you already added our heel lifts to your workout shoes? Let us know! We’d love to hear your success story. Email us today. You just might find yourself featured here in a future story!