How to get bow legs

At birth, all babies are somewhat bow legged because, within the cramped space in the uterus, the legs are likely to fold over each other. (In Latin, genu means knees and varum means inwardly curved.) In the simplest terms, legs are defined as bowed if, when the ankles touch each other, the unbent knees do not. In practically all cases, mildly bowed legs correct themselves, even if the condition persists until the child is three years old. When only one leg is bowed, however, the cause may be a turning in of the leg bone resulting from a birth injury or an inherited degenerative disease of the knee.

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures

A pediatrician normally checks a baby's legs during routine examinations. If the bowing is less than 20 degrees, chances are that the problem will correct itself. Mildly bowed legs that fail to straighten out spontaneously by the time the child is four years old also warrant an evaluation by an orthopedist. An X-ray may show bone deformities or injuries. If there is a family history of bowlegs and knock knees, a genetic disorder is likely. Other possibilities include Blount's disease, or tibial osteochondrosis, in which the shin bone curves inward because the growth plate ceases to function normally. This abnormality may develop in children who walk early, or who are very short or obese. Bowlegs may indicate rickets, a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency due either to an inadequate amount in the diet, a lack of exposure to sunlight, or a genetic inability to absorb the vitamin. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body cannot utilize calcium, and the result is soft and deformed bones. Medical Treatments

If the bowing is severe or worsening, braces and surgery are the first options to be considered. Blount's disease usually requires surgery to rotate the shin bone to its proper position. Otherwise the condition may eventually result in disabling problems of the knee joints. Nutritional rickets is treated with large doses of vitamin D. The treatment of rickets that is caused by a genetic metabolic defect will vary depending on the nature of the disorder.

Alternative Therapies

Responsible practitioners of acupuncture, chiropractic, and most other alternative therapies would not undertake the basic treatment of bowlegs. Light Therapy

Massage Therapies

Massage, using gentle manipulative exercises by a practitioner trained in pediatric care, may be helpful. Nutrition Therapy

Self Treatment

If your baby is overweight, consult a pediatrician about a change in diet.

Other Causes of Bowlegs

In rare cases, an inherited metabolic disorder called neurofibromatosis may produce leg bowing and other neuromuscular abnormalities. This condition usually corrects itself as the bone heals.

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