How to correct bow legs in adults

How to Correct Bow Legs in Adults

What are bow legs?

Bow legs (which is also called genu varum, varus knee, or bowed legs) is a condition that causes your legs to bend outward at the knee because of a bone misalignment. (Knees that curve inward are known as knock knees, or genu valgum.) Each of our legs is made up of four bones:

• the femur (thigh bone),
• the tibia (shin bone), the patella (our kneecap), and
• the fibula (the outside bone of the lower leg).

Bow legs occur when the tibia rotates inward, and the knee rotates outward. The legs stay curved when your feet and ankles are touching each other and when you are walking. People who have bow legs are often referred to as “bow legged.”

Can adults become bow legged?

Anyone of any age can develop bow legs. The condition is common among newborns because of how their legs are positioned when they are inside the womb. Genu varum in babies and toddlers is usually not a cause for concern; it is considered a normal aspect of skeletal development. Most child’s legs straighten by the time they reach the age of four. Adults with bow legs, however, are at risk of developing osteoarthritis. The misalignment of the tibia and femur places excessive stress on the patella, which causes the cartilage surrounding the knee joint (lateral and medial meniscus) to wear down faster than normal.

What causes bow legs in adults?

If you are an adult with bow legs, the condition may have developed because of:

• adult rickets (osteomalacia) which is a vitamin D deficiency that causes the bones to soften and weaken
• an injury to the knee
• an infection in the knee
• brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta)
• pre-existing osteoarthritis, which is known as wear-and-tear arthritis, in the knees
• Blount’s disease (tibia vara), which is a bone growth disorder that occurs in the shin. It is rare in adolescents and adults, but the disease can occur. Teens and adults who are overweight or gain weight quickly may develop Blount’s disease
• Weismann Netter Stuhl Syndrome, which is an extremely rare genetic skeletal disorder that results in abnormally developed bones

What are the symptoms of bow legs?

The most obvious sign of bow legs is that your legs curve outward, even when you are standing with your ankles and feet together or walking. You may also walk or run with your toes pointing inward (which is called pigeon toe or intoeing), and your knees may be unstable. If you have bow legs because of osteoarthritis, you may experience pain, stiffness, swelling, and a reduced range of motion in your joints. Research shows that genu varum may disturb your sense of balance.¹⁾

Can bow legs in adults be fixed?

If you are an adult with bow legs, performing this 3-minute stretch regularly may help you realign your legs and can help alleviate pain. All you need is a chair. If you are stretching on a hardwood or linoleum floor, we recommend wearing sneakers to prevent slipping.