òne calf bigger than the other, is this common amongst riders?

[jaffa2311]

As per title really.

I have one calf that is at least half an inch bigger than the other. I have only really noticed it in the last few months although have been riding in wellies over the Winter.

It means my small calf fits into most boots, but the other calf doesn't!

I am trying to ascertain whether the bigger calf is larger because it is used less or more than the other one.

Is this common amongst riders? Anyone else have this problem?



FYI, my horse does have a preferred rein whilst schooling, but I am doubtful this would have such a direct effect on my legs!

 

[cobgoblin]

Most people are somewhat lopsided. It's normal. I have one foot slightly larger than the other and one thigh slightly larger, haven't measured my calves but it wouldn't surprise me if they were different.
I very much doubt that it is due to your riding, although it can happen in very one-sided sports - my OH had one leg much larger than the other when he did a lot of fencing ( sword type ).

 

[NZJenny]

I was once trying on a very expensive pair of long riding boots. The right one was a bit tight, but we got it done up. Too tight said I, no problem said the shop owner, they will stretch - let's get the other one on. No seriously, I'm losing the feeling in my toes .....

I could feel her tugging at the zip of the left one and more tugging, then nothing. Left leg bigger than right, zip broke and shop owner cutting me out of a NZ$1000 pair of riding boots.

Oops.

 

[Slavetothecobs]

I have one calf bigger than other due to a bad back which must have effected how I moved to counteract the pain.

 

[risky business]

Nothing about the human body is perfect I'm afraid.

It's normal to have one arm slightly longer than the other, a calf bigger one side and even one boob smaller than the other! Sometimes the difference is so small you wouldn't notice... Other times it causes a great inconvenience!

 

[rowan666]

i think its normal to be lopsided, on my left side my foot, calf, hip, boob are bigger and hair is thicker and longer on left side too! im like two different people glued together lol nothing to do with riding i wouldnt think

 

[Wagtail]

My left calf has always been bigger than my right. This is the case whether I have been riding or not. I first noticed it in my mid teens. It may be due to a prolapsed disc in my back I had aged 13. It never changes, no matter what exercises I do. It means that long boots fit differently on each leg. I have Ariat Volants slim leg fitting which fit my thinnest leg perfectly but are a little too snug on my left leg.

 

[ajn1610]

Mine right is over 4cm bigger than my left. I found out from having m2m boots. I don't think it's a rider thing as the lady from Joshua jones who measured me for the boots took it several times because she was surprised

 

[oldie48]

Right calf is much smaller than left as I spent several months in plaster following a ruptured achilles tendon, it's a real nuisance as my long boots and chaps tend to ruck and can be a bit uncomfortable. i also have less flexibility in tendon because of the scar tissue but compared to what a lot of people have to cope with it's just a mild inconvenience.

 

[Ella19]

When I had ariat training they said most people's left calf is bigger, this could be due to using a clutch in a manual car. How correct that is I don't know, but sounded a good theory to me!

 

[Notimetoride]

When I had ariat training they said most people's left calf is bigger, this could be due to using a clutch in a manual car. How correct that is I don't know, but sounded a good theory to me!

This is very true. in my last job i drove about 1000 miles a week, and it makes your entire body lop sided, not just 1 leg. The use of the clutch affects the stomach muscles, back, hip etc etc. So yes, driving can indeed cause one leg to be a different size to the other