Your heel lift, and why we recommended it.
If we identified a leg length discrepancy during your visit, a heel lift is often one of the most useful and low-cost interventions you can add to your care. Here is what to do, what to expect, and the specific product we recommend.
The Fascia Institute and Treatment Center® · Issued at your visit with Dr. Courseault
Why we recommended a heel lift.
Leg length discrepancy — one leg measurably shorter than the other — is one of the most overlooked contributors to chronic fascial pain, hip and back tightness, and uneven loading through the kinetic chain. Even a small difference, in the range of 5 to 15 millimeters, can change how your fascia distributes force every step you take.
A properly sized heel lift placed inside the shoe of your shorter leg levels the pelvis, restores symmetrical loading, and gives the fascial network a chance to settle. Patients often describe a noticeable reduction in low back tightness, hip pull, and SI joint irritation within the first few weeks of consistent use.
Adjustable Heel Lift — Amazon
This is the heel lift we recommend to our patients. The adjustable design lets you start with a small lift and increase or decrease the height as your body adapts, which matters because comfort and tolerance vary patient to patient.
Place the lift in the shoe of your shorter leg — the side we identified during your exam. If you are not sure which side, call us.
How to use the heel lift.
- 01Start at the height we recommended. If we did not specify a height, start at the smallest setting and build up over a week or two.
- 02Place it in the shoe of your shorter leg only. Never put a lift in both shoes — that defeats the purpose.
- 03Wear it in your most-used shoes first. Work shoes, walking shoes, anything you spend significant time in. Switching shoes mid-day is fine; just move the lift with you.
- 04Give your body two to four weeks to adapt. Some patients feel relief within days; others notice gradual change as the fascia and pelvic muscles settle.
- 05Track how you feel. If specific symptoms improve, that is meaningful clinical information for your follow-up. If anything feels worse, stop using it and call us.
What to expect in the first few weeks.
Your body has likely been compensating for the discrepancy for years. When you correct it, the fascia and surrounding muscles need to reorganize. A few common experiences during the adjustment period:
Mild new sensations. A different kind of tightness in the hip, low back, or calf is normal as your body adapts. This typically resolves within one to two weeks.
Noticeable relief. For many patients, the back or hip pain that brought them in begins to ease within the first two weeks of consistent use.
Improved balance and gait. Some patients report walking feels easier — that is the pelvis finding a more level position.
When to call us.
Most patients have a smooth adjustment period. Call us at (504) 704-1254 if:
- Pain worsens significantly or moves to a new area
- New knee, ankle, or foot symptoms appear
- You are unsure which shoe to put the lift in
- After four weeks of consistent use, you notice no change at all
- You are ready to fine-tune the lift height with us
Quick answers.
How do I know which shoe to put it in?
The shoe of your shorter leg — the side we identified during your exam. If you are not sure, call the clinic and we will confirm.
Do I need to wear it forever?
It depends on whether the discrepancy is structural (a true bony difference) or functional (a pelvic position issue). Structural usually requires ongoing use; functional may resolve as the pelvis rebalances. We will review at your follow-up.
Can I wear it for exercise and athletic activity?
Yes — once you are comfortable wearing it in daily shoes, transition it into your athletic shoes too. Consistent use across activity types gives your fascia the most stable input.
What if my shoes feel tight with the lift in?
Some lift, some shoes. If a particular pair is too snug, the lift will not fit comfortably. Use the lift in shoes with a bit more depth, or consider stretching the shoe. Do not jam it into a tight shoe — that compresses your forefoot and creates new problems.
Is the same product good for kids or smaller feet?
The adjustable design works for adolescent and adult shoe sizes. For pediatric patients, please confirm sizing with us before purchase.
Questions about your heel lift?
Our team is happy to clarify which side, what height, or how to integrate it with the rest of your treatment plan.
The Fascia Institute and Treatment Center®
2520 Harvard Ave., Suite 2B · Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 704-1254 · fit@fasciainstitute.org