On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding bowlegs.
What are bowlegs?
Bow legs outward (Bow Legs) is a problem that occurs when one or both of a child’s legs bend outward, resulting in a gap between the knees and ankles when standing straight.
What are the symptoms of bow legs?
The most prominent symptom of bow legs is that the child’s knees do not touch when the feet or ankles are together. The bending becomes more apparent while walking. Sometimes, children may walk with their toes pointing inward.
What are the causes of bow legs?
- Natural bow legs:
Some children are born with bowed legs because the fetus bends its legs during growth to fit the space in the womb, which is the most common reason.
- Pathological bow legs:
- Blount’s disease: It is a growth disorder caused by a problem in the growth plate of the child’s leg bone.
- Rickets
- Dwarfism
- Fluoride or lead poisoning.
- Fractures that have not healed properly and abnormally growing bones (Bone dysplasia or Osteodysplasia).
What are the diagnostic methods?
The doctor takes the medical history and conducts a clinical examination of the patient, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
- If the child’s age is over two years, X-rays are performed to image the child’s leg bones and knees.
- Blood tests to determine if the curvature is due to a condition such as rickets.
What are the treatment methods for leg curvature?
Curvature can be treated with several procedures or as needed, which may include the following:
- Early treatment may involve the use of a brace or support for the leg.
- Adding vitamin D and calcium to the diet in cases of rickets.
What are the prevention methods for leg curvature?
There is no specific way to prevent leg curvature. However, you may be able to prevent some known conditions that cause leg bending, such as rickets, by ensuring the child gets enough vitamin D and calcium in their diet.
What are the complications of having leg curvature?
Leg curvature affects the way of walking, leading to several health problems, such as joint inflammation and back pain, thus affecting the person’s quality of life and mental state.
When should you see a doctor?
It is advisable to periodically consult a doctor to monitor the child’s condition after birth, in order to conduct regular clinical examinations to ensure there are no problems with the feet and hips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
My child has leg curvature. Can the child be treated without any surgical intervention?
There are many reasons for leg curvature in children, the most common being natural leg curvature, where the doctor monitors the curvature in newborns and uses some supports if necessary, as the bones return to their normal position as the child grows.
In the case of pathological leg curvature, the type of treatment depends on whether it is surgical or non-surgical, based on the child’s age, the cause of the curvature, and its severity.
