Can Bowlegs be Corrected?

Bowlegs or Genu Varum is the name given to the condition in which knees take an abnormal curved shape; they grow to form a bow where knees do not touch, and ankles are too close. It is a deformation generally observed in infants, but depending on its cause, it may continue or develop at an adult stage. 

This condition can be caused by different factors. It is generally seen in toddlers and is commonly caused by the contracted position of their legs in the womb, this is known as physiological bowlegs. In this case, the deformation should be corrected on its own as the baby grows. If children older than two years old still have bowlegs, further medical observation is required, depending on the doctor’s examination, it could be necessary to carry out treatment or even surgery.

Other than the common knee bending inside the womb, bowlegs can also be a symptom of another condition, some of the most common associated diseases are: 

• Blount’s disease, a disorder where the tibia grows abnormally and worsens with time.
• Obesity in children and adults is also a factor linked to bowlegs.
• Children who start walking earlier than usual are also at risk. The normal age for children to learn how to walk is between 9 and 15 months.
• Deficiency of vitamin C or calcium can also cause knees bones to weaken and bend forming a bow shape, this is known as Rickets.
• Inappropriate recovery from fractures.
• Bone dyspepsia.
• Bone growth illnesses.
• Fluoride poisoning.
• Arthritis.

Doctors can easily confirm bowlegs by observing the child’s knees alignment and how they walk. However, it will be necessary to take X-ray or MRI evaluations, blood tests, and occasionally further exams to confirm if the deformation is a consequence of an underlying disease. Under those circumstances, the treatments will be focused on targeting the initial disorder. On the other hand, if it is the case of physiological bowlegs, hence, deformation caused by external factors related to posture in the womb, then a different kind of treatment will be followed to align the knees directly.

In most cases, physiological bowlegs should self-correct as the child grows. Therefore, no treatment would be necessary. However, if bowlegs occur at an adult stage, surgery is required to correct this deformation. It is estimated that around 95% of physiological bowlegs cases do not require treatment.

If the deformation is caused by Blount’s disease, the use of orthopedic devices like casts or braces is recommended for children over three years old. Alternatively, they may also require surgery, or in the case of rickets, the infant will be prescribed with Vitamin C supplements.

To sum up, bowlegs are a common condition in toddlers. It is generally detected as soon as the baby starts to learn how to walk. In most of the cases, knees align as the child grows. In less common cases, bowlegs could be a symptom of an underlying disease and should be treated accordingly. 

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119