One leg (notably) shorter than the other.

I have a 3cm difference & it was my Pilates instructor who found it after my back pain had become increasingly worse due a fall [I lost my balance and fell downstairs]. I visited a podiatrist who confirmed the problem and found an orthotist who fitted me with removable insoles and raised a selection of my shoes [costly but worth it]. I learned that you can't just bung on a sole; it has to be tapered at the toe end to ensure your toes work correctly within the shoe. It's taken me over a year to walk without a stick - I only use a stick if travelling because I'm scared I'll trip over - and I'm now doing balance exercises which are working well. My posture has improved no end - much straighter - and the pain has gone for 99.9% of the time, appearing only if I bend wrongly. I swim most days and find, like NannaRose that it strengthens the muscles and feel better than I have for a long time!

Thanks to you all for your replies. I appreciate your advice and accounts of experiences. I know I have to work on this and I'm delighted to report that I managed (very recently) to walk over a mile - albeit with regular bench breaks! I live in hope...

I had polio so have one leg shorter than the other, also one foot a size smaller than the other. I also have scoliosis which was probably caused by this unevenness. However, I have never worn anything to correct this abnormality and when a physio saw it a few years ago he suggested I should wear a built up shoe. I decided not to do anything about it as it has never caused me pain and I thought that fixing something which wasn't causing a pain might easily start one. Everything about me is lopsided but I'm used to it!

Thanks you GNs, for your useful replies. Nannarose, your response is particularly helpful. (It isn't clear whether I've had this condition from childhood - which would account for my own life-long "clumsiness" & balance issues!) I already use the swimming pool and will take on board your advice regarding this and also the walking poles. At present I'd be thrilled to walk even half a mile, so three would be a great achievement. I aim to plod on.... (No pun intended.)

Yes, this happened to me after a difficult 2nd hip replacement, and my difference is about 2cms.
I have dreadful co-ordination and balance anyway, and it took me almost a year to adjust. This is what I did: use or not as you think best, being aware that we all respond differently.

I use an orthotic raise (1 cm as 2 throws the foot out too much). In summer I use sandals with both an insole and an enclosed back (Waldlaufer or Padders). I also use these instead of slippers around the house.

I found a pool at a private gym where I could 'water walk'. I got water shoes, and put an orthotic raise in. I found this improved my muscle tone and stamina. I am also much better at doing exercises in the water than on land! This was just whilst building up, and I now just do some exercises at my local pool.

I used Norwegian poles for walking in the countryside, so that I was level and balanced, and I gradually built up distance. I'm afraid that 3 miles is the most I can do now, as any further does put too much strain on my foot - imagine that walking in a raise is like permanently walking in heels! But I am glad to be able to do some walking. I can't do uneven ground these days, and am grateful for country parks with their nice paths.

If walking more than about a mile, I still use the poles and wear walking boots for the ankle support. Otherwise, I don't have to use a stick any more, but I do have to wear firm supportive shoes.

Hope this helps.

Dh had this problem after having a hip replacement. His was never bad enough to warrant using a stick but he had some orthotics made (on the NHS) and has been fine since.

A pity this was not noticed when you were a child because leg lengthening could have been carried out. The only time that this can be corrected surgically is if heaven forbid you need a hip replacement.

I am not sure if you will be able to walk without use of your stick because of your balance- it is out of kilter if you know what I mean.

My husband (late 70s) has the same problem and had some of his right shoes built up . It also led to arthritic problems in his right knee. He's had various treatments, but not an operation.
Like most arthritic conditions it's important to keep the supporting muscles strong.
He wears a knee support for walks of any length. But TG keeps going. Doesn't use a stick.