Dealing with length difference between legs

Ibis2k14

My left leg is a bit (1,5 cms) shorter than my right one.
While walking/running I don't have any problem, as I fix the issue with a small shoe insert.
Cycling is a totally different thing though, because I don't use the heel when I push down the pedals, so I tried to adjust the cleat position in my shoes in order to make the left pedal "closer" to my body.
It works under 40/50kms ride, but for long rides on the saddle I start to feel uncomfort on the rear right hip, which is typical for me if I walk/run/play basket for a long time without the shoe insert.
Is there anyone else with the same problem? How do you handle it when cycling?

When I use the shoe insert I feel fine 99% of the time, so my doctor has advised against considering any kind of surgery, so I want to find a more cycling-specific solution to my issue!

markwb79

Ibis2k14 wrote:

My left leg is a bit (1,5 cms) shorter than my right one.
While walking/running I don't have any problem, as I fix the issue with a small shoe insert.
Cycling is a totally different thing though, because I don't use the heel when I push down the pedals, so I tried to adjust the cleat position in my shoes in order to make the left pedal "closer" to my body.
It works under 40/50kms ride, but for long rides on the saddle I start to feel uncomfort on the rear right hip, which is typical for me if I walk/run/play basket for a long time without the shoe insert.
Is there anyone else with the same problem? How do you handle it when cycling?

When I use the shoe insert I feel fine 99% of the time, so my doctor has advised against considering any kind of surgery, so I want to find a more cycling-specific solution to my issue!

Speedplay to a spacer kit that goes between the shoe and the cleat. Thats how I deal with it. But not to the extreme of 15mm unfortunately. But its something

Ibis2k14

Thanx for the tip! On my new bike I was planning to get the speedplay pedals, so an extra 3 or 6mm is definitely a huge improvement compared to nothing! I didn't know they had such thing!

napoleond

Contact www.Cadencesport.co.uk - give them a call. They sell shims that are exactly for your problem. I have the same.

simon_e

Have read up on this and asked a few people about it as I have about 13-14mm discrepancy after a femur break. Apparently shims only fix the problem if the discrepancy is in the lower leg (tib/fib). If it's in the femur then they aren't really a solution, not for cycling anyway (that's not to say you shouldn't try them or that this is definitive).

I was advised to adjust my cleats first so that the cleat is as far back as possible for the longer leg and as near the toe as poss for the short leg. I also use a standard insert/inner sole from one of my othe pairs in the left shoe for longer rides and when racing, as it can help me feel more centred on the saddle. Have you checked your saddle height BTW?

A shorter crank the shorter side could help if you can find one.

You may have a soft tissue problem such as weak glutes (common with femur and hip injuries); this can also have consequences for lower back. Core strength work, isolation exercises and stretching can also help and will also reduce the risk of injury.