To want to know get a diagnosis of what's up with my gammy leg?

[BigbreastsBiggerbeard]

I have a problem with my right leg. I have no idea what the problem actually is, and am currently attempting to get some answers but feel I am getting nowhere.

My right leg is shorter than my left, I was told many years ago by a physiotherapist. Only by a tiny amount, I believe. And I don't even know if this has any bearing on my current problem. It may be something else. (I wear orthotics with a slight raise on the right heel)

As I'm getting older, the discrepancy between the legs is ever more obvious and I can only really describe it as a feeling of 'instability'. My right thigh and buttock are larger than the left (possibly due to more muscle mass?) and I always seem to 'lead' with that leg. The right thigh aches a lot and gets tired very quickly.

My right leg also seems to (and I know this sounds really odd!) 'hang' differently from the hip. It's as if it turns outwards. This is becoming more apparent as I age. I am aware of this when I'm standing and when I'm lying down. Whenever I have to do exercises where each leg has to do the same movement, I have to consciously shift my right leg into the correct position.

This is all prompted by a physio appointment yesterday that was less use than a chocolate kettle. He seemed pretty disinterested and said there was nothing he could do unless there was actual pain or something clearly wrong (NB. I'm not taking issue with what he told me; if it's beyond his remit, that's fine).

A few years ago I had an assessment at a muculoskeletal podiatry centre where they attached sensors to me and had me walk up and down and do various movements. I took along the report from this in case it was of any help to the physio; he said he didn't understand things like that and didn't look at it. I don't fully understand the results myself (graphs and whatnot) but wanted to be as helpful as possible.

I had an MRI scan a couple months ago and the results were: subacute procedure prolapse of lower 4 lumbar discs. Some impingement of nerve roots. On the LEFT side though I'm not currently in any back pain. It was my GP who told me to have the MRI scan and then see the physio with the results. So that's what I did and I'm no further forward.

Does anyone have and advice about what kind of professional I should be asking for a referral to as I'm at a loss if the physio can't help. He said he was going to write to my GP saying they can't help.

I would be VERY grateful for ANY input right now. And apologies for the epic post

Total title failure!! No idea how to change it....

Oh, you get the gist...

You might be better going to see an osteopath.

Have you ever seen orthopaedics? It sounds like you need a decent orthopod to get to the bottom of this. They should be able to understand the assessment report too.

Thank you. That's something to think about. Will speak to the GP.

I've been at SUCH a loss over this. And I want to get back into running and given that I'm wobbling when I walk, it's probably not ideal

Sorry, no, never been referred to orthopaedics.

I think you have to “kiss a few frogs” before you find the right team of musculoskeletal pros.
I don’t think the nhs is set up for this kind of thing.

My team is osteopath, podiatrist and physiotherapist who teaches Pilates.

Can you afford to see a private physio? If so get a recommendation for a good one. Address the pain and weakness in your right thigh.

Ignore the leg length thing. Most people have a slight difference.

How old are you? How long has this been going on? Do you know what started it?

Running is clearly not a good idea just now....

Agree with others, my private physio is a god send, a good osteopath might help but NOT a chiropractor

Gabriella - I'm 48. I honestly can't pinpoint exactly when it started. I've certainly been excessively aware of the discrepancy for at least six years, probably longer. Before that I was aware of the leg length difference but didn't believe it was causing any problems (To reiterate, I realise it may not be this that's causing the issue)

I had ankle issues at least 20 years ago. Achilles tendonosis. Still have lumps on ankles but not really too much of a problem these days. Had physio and TENS machine, etc.

When I was younger, messing about, bent over backwards (gymnastics, don't y'know) and felt something snap in my right outside thigh and have had a numb patch there ever since. Never caused a problem, just burns occasionally and shooting pains now and again. No idea if this is related. I always mention this to the physios but they never mention it.

Yes, I may see a physio privately.

Amoregentlemen - no, indeed

I would recommend a McTimoney Chiropractor - they start with checking if your pelvis is 100% square and work from there. After having children my pelvis had twisted and rotated in such a way that one leg was an inch longer than the other. Got straightened up with gentle manipulation (no cracking involved!) and have never had back ache since. Go back every year or so for a session and I can tell now when I'm out of line - delayed last years appointment and had really bad plantar fasciitis (spelling wrong!) for almost 4 months which disappeared within 2 days of seeing chiro.

I'd see if you can get a rheumatologist referral

What do you want to happen ? Are you looking for a diagnosis so it can be treated/ improved?
Does it interfere significantly with your quality of life ?
It may be an age thing I’m afraid.

Interestingly I have developed something odd with my right leg ! It doesn’t feel like it belongs to me

Where are you based, OP. I've got a good recommendation if in London but no use otherwise ...

Not all physios are the same, but they aren't that expensive to see privately, so definitely try another privately. My favourite teaches on the local physio degree course - might be an idea to think about where your nearest is and see if you can find a similar "expert" practice.

I would look for an experienced, highly recommended physio. Can you tell us your area?

I certainly wouldn't be accepting that as age related.

Could definitely be related to your old buttock injury.

Unfortunately you will probably have to seek a private opinion. If not an osteopath you might be able to find a good private physio.
It might be worth ringing a few clinics.
You dont need a rheumatologist - it doesnt sound like a rheumatology problem, it sounds mechanical.

tumblrpigeon - Yes, I feel it does affect my quality of life. It just doesn't feel right; so hard to explain. It definitely affects my ability to exercise, and that frustrates me as I'm already hampered by the fact that I suffer from M.E., so whenever I feel able to exercise, I need to crack on.

I have a 'chronic gait disturbance' according to the musculoskeletal people. I feel unsteady when I walk and have to put a lot of thought into foot placement and so on. I don't think this is normal. Also, my knees are now beginning to feel twinge-y. That's why I so desperately want - need - to get this properly diagnosed.

Gabriella - I'm in the Manchester area.

No, I don't want to put it down to age either! I'm hoping to gradually increase what I'm able to achieve, exercise wise, not fall into a decline just because I'm getting on

Sounds like you need to know what’s going on with the bones in your pelvis, hips and legs. Sounds like your MRI was of your spine so you might need another one of those. orthopaedic surgeon would be able to look at you and work out what is going on and offer some help.

sentence - shame, I could do with a good recommendation

I'll be looking into private physios though, without a doubt, and if I'm paying for it I bloody hope she/shows a bit more interest and get up and go than yesterdays attempt. He was all but falling asleep.

Yes, GP consult first. Research physios to have on the back burner.

I have to see an osteopath every so often to realign my pelvis. I broke my heel 20 years ago and it healed crooked, meaning that it gradually throws out my hip/pelvis/back alignment. Definitely with trying one.

i put my hand in my pocket and visit chiropractor and physio. when necessary. GP just fills in scrip. for painkiller and puts you on waiting list for physio. six months wait here. The private guys and girls £45 for a session, tell you what painkillers to take for how long and give you an exercise sheet. Mine has recommended pilates to me. I really need to get my ass in gear and join a class this year.