Lower leg - can't extend

[jimflint500]

I am a distance runner that had a left side inguinal surgery last April.  After a two month recovery, I started running again.  I've never really run correctly in the past year.  Working with a chiropractor, I got a hip flexor malady adjusted; the PT said I needed to work on flexibility.  My left leg kind of 'hangs/float' and doesn't extend out normally.  I feel it even when I'm walking.  The odd part is that I can't really self-correct it with mental striving.  I'm thinking it's more than just bad flexibility - wondering if I'm not really neurologically talking to my lower leg?  I can run, but it's with something similiar to a steppage gait - the lower left leg just doesn't extend out and dorsiflex (the right one does fine).  

[jimflint500]

Dr. Sharma - thanks for the help.  According to the chiropractor I'm okay (within 1/8-inch). He said I had developed a functional, not anatomical leg length discrepancy.  Would some nerve damage/association from the inguinal surgery be applicable, or be more femoral in nature (vs. dorsiflexion/lower leg problems)?   If the nerve isn't talking to the muscle, where is the point of origin - would it be in the L4/L5 area, or lower?  Thanks again for your help.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. You need to check with an orthopaedician if you have dislocated your left hip during the surgery positioning or later. Nerve injury during surgery or positioning during surgery could also be responsible for difficulty in extending your left leg and dorsiflexion. An x-ray left hip, anterior/ posterior and lateral views would aid in diagnosis. Continue with your physiotherapy. Take care.