Bow Legged
What Are Bowed Legs?
Bow leg also known as genu varum, bow legged, bandiness, bandy leg and tibia vara, is a fairly common condition affecting the structure of the legs. An individual with the condition exhibits a characteristic leg shape and, as the condition progresses, gait. When a bow legged individual stands with his or her feet and ankles together, the knees will still remain wide apart in somewhat of an arced shape.
The condition is typically considered normal in children under the age of 18 months as the condition is often a result of the child’s folded position in the mother’s womb. Bowed legs typically begin to correct themselves once a child begins walking and the legs bear the body’s weight. If the bowed leg shape persists past age 3, the child or individual is usually called bow legged.
Pervasive bow legs that remain even past typical development are usually caused by illness. Common illnesses that cause bow legs include abnormal bone development, Blount’s disease, lead or fluoride poisoning, Rickets, or fractures. As the condition becomes more severe, the affected individual often exhibits lateral knee thrust and even a waddling gait.
While bow legs typically correct themselves without treatment, progressive cases of the condition may require structured treatment. One of the most effective methods of treatment is regular exercise and stretching focused on the legs. Targeted leg and feet exercises like that available in Pete Egoscue’s book Pain Free and Katy Bowman’s foot book can help correct the alignment of the legs. Additionally strengthening activities like Pilates can help build the muscles of the inner leg and also correct the condition.
What Are Bowed Legs?
Bow leg also known as genu varum, bow legged, bandiness, bandy leg and tibia vara, is a fairly common condition affecting the structure of the legs. An individual with the condition exhibits a characteristic leg shape and, as the condition progresses, gait. When a bow legged individual stands with his or her feet and ankles together, the knees will still remain wide apart in somewhat of an arced shape.
The condition is typically considered normal in children under the age of 18 months as the condition is often a result of the child’s folded position in the mother’s womb. Bowed legs typically begin to correct themselves once a child begins walking and the legs bear the body’s weight. If the bowed leg shape persists past age 3, the child or individual is usually called bow legged.
Pervasive bow legs that remain even past typical development are usually caused by illness. Common illnesses that cause bow legs include abnormal bone development, Blount’s disease, lead or fluoride poisoning, Rickets, or fractures. As the condition becomes more severe, the affected individual often exhibits lateral knee thrust and even a waddling gait.
Treatments and Remedies for Bow Leg
While bow legs typically correct themselves without treatment, progressive cases of the condition may require structured treatment. One of the most effective methods of treatment is regular exercise and stretching focused on the legs. Targeted leg and feet exercises like that available in Pete Egoscue’s book Pain Free and Katy Bowman’s foot book can help correct the alignment of the legs. Additionally strengthening activities like Pilates can help build the muscles of the inner leg and also correct the condition.
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