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Did you know that some bowed legs problems can be easily improved at home? Check out these tips!
Bow-legged, also known as Genu varum, is a deformity characterized by the outer side of the knee bending, forming a bow-like shape. This condition causes the lower leg to bow inward, giving it an overall bow-like shape relative to the axis of the thigh. In many cases, this problem occurs in children, especially those who are malnourished or have growth problems.
At a young age, bowed legs may be a normal anatomical variation that usually corrects itself by age 3 to 4 years.
Causes of bow legs
Bow legs can be caused by many factors, the main one being rickets, a disease caused by a lack of vitamin D and other nutrients. Rickets can seriously affect bone development and may cause bone deformities in the limbs. Other factors such as bone disease, infection, and even tumors can also affect leg growth. Occupational factors, especially jockeys, are also prone to bow legs. In addition, physical injury or external force can also cause this problem.
Diagnosis and Assessment
Appropriate radiographic imaging is essential for the diagnosis of bow legs. The degree of deformity is usually determined by measuring the angles between the hip, knee, and ankle. This angle is generally between 1 and 1.5 degrees for normal adults, but the normal range for children is different.
Family Therapy Tips
For mild bowed legs, many families can improve it with some simple self-adjustments:
- Maintain a healthy diet: Increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, green leafy vegetables and fish.
- Moderate sun exposure: At least 15 minutes of sunlight exposure every day helps the body synthesize vitamin D.
- Doing moderate exercise, such as swimming and cycling, can help promote the development of leg muscles and enhance balance.
- Use supportive insoles: If you have unsteady walking or poor posture, consider using professional insoles to improve the support of your feet.
When to seek medical intervention
If you notice that your child's bowed legs persist beyond the age of three, or if the condition seems to be getting worse, you should consider seeking professional medical assistance. In some cases, such as bowed legs due to rickets, treating the underlying condition along with physical therapy and supportive braces can help restore normal leg function.
Surgical treatment options
For more severe bow legs, especially in teenagers or adults, surgery may be necessary. Common surgical procedures include guided growth surgery, which gradually straightens the bones of the leg; in adolescents, bone cutting is often used to achieve correction.
ConclusionIf bone deformation is not treated promptly, it will affect daily activities and may cause long-term movement dysfunction.
Overall, early intervention and correction are critical for bowed legs. Although many children will naturally correct as they grow up, persistent symptoms should be taken seriously. Most importantly, parents should closely observe the development of their children's legs and choose appropriate treatment methods in a timely manner to ensure their children's healthy growth. Are you ready to take steps to improve your bowed legs?
