Bow legs are a normal occurrence in children under 3 years old that usually fixes itself, but how can you correct persistent bow legs in older children and adults? Leg braces and vitamin D are common cures for children, and adults can manage their pain and mobility with low-impact exercises and massage therapy (surgery is the only permanent solution for adults, though). We’ve put together a thorough guide to bow legs, including its causes, common treatments and therapies, and corrective surgery. If you’re ready to take a step towards improving your leg health, keep scrolling!
Things You Should Know
- Seek treatment for bow legs if you or your child’s legs are misaligned after 8 years old. Bow legs are normal in young children and usually fix themselves.
- Look for symptoms like outwardly curved legs, intoeing, or an awkward walk. Children don’t feel pain, but adults may feel discomfort or develop arthritis.
- Try exercises like squats, yoga, or massage therapy to strengthen your leg muscles and joints. Remember that surgery is the only total cure for adults.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
Warnings
- Seek treatment for bow legs persisting past 8 years of age. As people with bow legs age, the chances for pain and complications like arthritis increase. [27] X Trustworthy Source Cedars Sinai Hospital Website of one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001585.htm
- ↑ https://www.pobar.org/how-to-fix-bowlegs-in-infants-and-toddlers
- ↑ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/b/bow-legged-genu-varum.html
- ↑ https://www.pobar.org/how-to-fix-bowlegs-in-infants-and-toddlers
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001585.htm
- ↑ https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/conditions/bowed-legs/
- ↑ https://www.pobar.org/how-to-fix-bowlegs-in-infants-and-toddlers
- ↑ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/b/bow-legged-genu-varum.html
- ↑ https://www.pobar.org/how-to-fix-bowlegs-in-infants-and-toddlers
- ↑ https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/conditions/bowed-legs/
- ↑ https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/fact-sheets/bowlegs-and-knock-knees
- ↑ https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/conditions/bowed-legs/
- ↑ https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/conditions/bowed-legs/
- ↑ https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/conditions/bowed-legs/
- ↑ https://www.pobar.org/how-to-fix-bowlegs-in-infants-and-toddlers
- ↑ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/b/bow-legged-genu-varum.html
- ↑ https://www.pobar.org/how-to-fix-bowlegs-in-infants-and-toddlers
- ↑ https://sportsmedicineweekly.com/blog/what-to-know-about-bow-legs/
- ↑ https://blog.heightlengthening.com/bow-legs-correction-exercises-you-can-do-at-home
- ↑ https://www.newhealthadvisor.org/bow-legs-correction-exercise.html
- ↑ https://www.newhealthadvisor.org/bow-legs-correction-exercise.html
- ↑ https://blog.heightlengthening.com/bow-legs-correction-exercises-you-can-do-at-home
- ↑ https://www.newhealthadvisor.org/bow-legs-correction-exercise.html
- ↑ https://sportsmedicineweekly.com/blog/what-to-know-about-bow-legs/
- ↑ https://blog.heightlengthening.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-bowleg-correction
- ↑ https://blog.heightlengthening.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-bowleg-correction
- ↑ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/b/bow-legged-genu-varum.html
About This Article
Bow-legs is a condition where one or both of your legs bend outwards at the knee. If your child has bow-legs and they’re under 3, they will probably fix themselves as they grow. Just make sure your child is getting enough vitamin D, since bow-legs can be caused by a deficiency. However, if they don’t, you can get special leg braces or shoes to help treat their legs. You should also take your child to see a doctor regularly so they can monitor the development of their bow-legs. If you have bow-legs as an adolescent or adult, you’ll only need treatment if they’re severely affecting your daily life. If this is the case, talk to a doctor to explore treatment options like surgery and physiotherapy. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to recover from corrective surgery for bow-legs, read on.
Reader Success Stories
- "Understanding that the condition in children can be self-correcting, but requires monitoring. The child has a severe bow that is a real cause for concern. I will visit the doctor to assess vitamin D deficiency and seek more help. Thank you, the article helped." ..." more