I am desperate for advice about any non-surgical measures I can take after a car accident left me with one leg shorter than the other.

The accident happened 35 years ago, my leg was broken in 3 places and substantial damage was done to the knee. A pretty awful job was done by the surgeon involving metal plates and botched stitching. Now one leg is a lot shorter than the other, and for many reasons I couldn't wear a raised shoe to correct this so my hips have been taking a mighty strain. (Part vanity, part pain)

I have started to experience my knee and hip joints 'locking' up and pain and stiffness is getting worse as the years go by. Due to my BIG phobia of doctors and hospitals I avoided getting help but now I'm considering making an appointment.

To make things worse I think i'm getting the signs of arthritis, and I know if I don't do something now I may not be in a position to fix it at all.

I'd like to know if it's worth pushing myself to see a Doctor? Surgery is NOT an option as the anasthetic (sp?) failed and I felt EVERYTHING during one of my intitial ops! Now I'm too scared to go under the knife!

So are there any non-surgical alternatives to reduce the pain and increase my severely limited mobility?? (Keyhole surgery I might consider)

Please PLEASE help!!