How to correct bow legs: A step-by-step guide

Bow legs are a condition where the legs curve out at the knee, giving the appearance of a bow. This can be caused by a number of factors, including genetic disposition, trauma, or certain medical conditions. Whatever the cause can be, bow legs can be corrected with a variety of treatments either through surgical or nonsurgical.

What are Bow Legs?

Bow legs are a condition in which the legs curve outward at the knee, giving the appearance of a bow. This can result in difficulty walking or pain in the legs. Bow legs can be caused by a number of factors, including genetic disposition, trauma, or certain medical conditions.

Causes of Bow Legs

There are a number of factors that can cause bow legs, including genetic disposition, trauma, or certain medical conditions. 

  • Congenital defects: Some children are born with bow legs due to congenital defects, such as rickets or Blount’s disease.
  • Injury: An injury to the knee or leg can cause the bones to heal in a bowed position.
  • Infection: Infections, such as polio or osteomyelitis, can cause bow legs.

Genetic disposition is the most common cause of bow legs. This means that the condition is passed down from parents to children. Trauma can also cause bow legs. This includes accidental injury or damage to the bones or muscles. Certain medical conditions can also lead to bow legs. This includes conditions like rickets, arthritis, and bone tumors.

How to Correct Bow Legs

There are a variety of ways to correct bow legs, both surgical and nonsurgical. Surgery is typically only recommended for severe cases of bow legs. The most common surgery for bow legs is known as osteotomy. This involves cutting and reshaping the bones in the legs. Nonsurgical treatments for bow legs include physical therapy, braces, and exercises. For more information, check on https://myknockkneefix.com/how-to-correct-bow-legs-naturally/

Surgery for Bow Legs

Surgery is typically only recommended for severe cases of bow legs. The most common surgery for bow legs is known as osteotomy. This involves cutting and reshaping the bones in the legs. Bowed legs can be corrected surgically with two types of procedures: one-stage correction and two-stage correction.

  • One-stage correction

One-stage correction is a surgery that corrects the bow legs and other bony abnormalities of the legs simultaneously. This procedure is performed when there is a broad spectrum of abnormalities. It includes closing a large open gap in the knee, correcting a shortening or angulation of the tibia, or correcting a femoral bowing. The result is a single operation.

  • Two-stage correction

Two-stage correction is a surgery that corrects the bow legs and other bony abnormalities of the legs at two separate times. It includes a tibial osteotomy to correct a leg length discrepancy, an osteotomy to correct a leg deformity, or a closing of a large open gap in the knee. The result is a single operation followed by a second operation to realign the legs.

Nonsurgical Treatments for Bow Legs

If the bow legs are mild, nonsurgical treatments may be effective. These treatments include:

  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles and bones around the knee, which can help to improve the appearance of bow legs.
  • Orthotic devices: Orthotic devices, such as leg braces or splints, can help to realign the bones and muscles around the knee, which can reduce the appearance of bow legs.

Nonsurgical treatments for bow legs also include physical therapy, braces, and exercises. Physical therapy involves using exercises to strengthen the muscles and bones in the legs. Braces are typically used to support the legs and prevent the bow legs from getting worse. Exercises can also help to improve the strength and flexibility of the legs.

Conclusion

Bow legs are a condition where the legs curve out at the knee, giving the appearance of a bow. This can be caused by a number of factors, including genetic disposition, trauma, or certain medical conditions.