Bow Legged
What is bow-leggedness?
Bow-leggedness, also known as genu varum, is a condition where the legs curve outward at the knees, creating a noticeable gap between the lower legs when the feet are together.
This condition is common in babies between birth and 24 months. It usually goes away without treatment by the time the child reaches ages 3 or 4. While bow-leggedness is often harmless in infants and toddlers, persistent or severe cases in children and adults may signal underlying issues that require medical attention. Dr. Connor Ziegler, a pediatric orthopedic sports medicine expert in New England, provides comprehensive care for children and adults experiencing bow-leggedness, focusing on diagnosis, symptom management, and addressing root causes.
Bow leggedness may also affect adults due to arthritis, vitamin D deficiency, untreated childhood bow legs and obesity. In adults, this condition can worsen over time and increase the risk of knee pain and degeneration.
The causes of bow-leggedness can vary depending on the age of onset and underlying health factors. Common causes include:
Physiological Bow-Leggedness
In infants and toddlers, bow-leggedness is often a normal developmental phase. Babies are born with curved legs due to their fetal position in the womb. As they begin to walk and grow, the legs typically straighten. It does not affect a child’s ability to crawl, walk or run. This is the most common cause.
Blount’s Disease
This rare growth disorder affects the tibia (shinbone) and results in abnormal curvature. Blount’s disease can appear in early childhood (infantile Blount’s) or during adolescence (adolescent Blount’s). The exact cause of Blount’s disease is unknown, but factors such as early walking, obesity, and genetics may contribute.
Rickets
A rare condition caused by vitamin D deficiency, rickets weakens bones and can lead to bow-leggedness. It is more common in children who have limited sunlight exposure or insufficient dietary vitamin D and calcium.
Bone Malalignment or Trauma
Previous injuries, fractures, or improper healing of bones can result in an outward curvature of the legs.
The primary symptom of bow-leggedness is the visible curvature of the legs. Bowing generally does not cause pain. In children, it’s important to monitor for progressive worsening of the curvature, asymmetry between the legs, or associated symptoms such as pain or swelling, which may indicate underlying pathology.
If the child is younger than age 2, Dr. Ziegler perform a physical examination and watch and wait to see if the bowing resolves itself. If the child is older than age 2, Dr. Ziegler may order imaging studies and may order blood tests to detect underlying causes such as rickets. He will also analyze the child’s gait to identify potential mobility challenges.
Parents of young children should consult a physician if bow-leggedness persists beyond the age of 3 or 4, worsens over time, or is accompanied by pain, swelling, or asymmetry.
Bow-leggedness can have significant impacts on joint health, mobility, and overall quality of life if left unaddressed. Dr. Connor Ziegler provides individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs, with a focus on improving function and preventing long-term complications.
Through expert diagnosis and management, patients with bow-leggedness can achieve better alignment, reduce discomfort, and restore their mobility.
References
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/bow-legs-in-adults
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22049-bow-legged
At a Glance
Dr. Connor Ziegler
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained
- Author of numerous publications
- Recipient of Excellence in Research Award
- Learn more
