Question
Hi,

I have  a question. My brain was partly injured due to a concussion when I was 5. As a result, I can't control the movement of my left side and walk with a slight limp. I was told that my left leg is half a centimeter shorter and I might need a hip replacement in the future. The problem is I love to run on a treadmill. Would it deteriorate my condition. Should I abstain from doing it?

Regards,
Rojana Gottwald

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Podiatric Orthopedist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Rojana,

Most important is your weight. If you are overweight-please seek a good diet. Excess weight is known to cause arthritis. Running has not been implicated in promoting arthritis and actually may help if done properly!
Also make sure that the shorter leg is only one centimeter and not more than 2 centimeters.
The body usually can adjust itself for up to .5 inch discrepancies without too much problem.
Look at your shoes for equal wear-or look at your feet and posture in a mirror. If you notice one arch much higher that the other, or one knee angled more than the other knee, or if the wear on the shoes appears unequal-you may benefit with orthotics from a podiatrist who is board certified in orthopedics-or practices sports medicine and sees runners.
If you are able to run pain free-then that is a good sign!
Hope this Helps & Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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