Bowlegs are legs that bow laterally (outwardly) instead of being straight or knock-kneed. It is commonly attributed (incorrectly) to cowboys riding horses since the legs are bowed out when riding a horse. It is seen in infants as their legs are naturally bowed at 30 degrees of tibial torsion at birth, becoming straight by about 12 months.
When the condition continues beyond 12 months, it is due to other factors, usually related to rotation of the femur in relation to the pelvis. The normal angle is 15-25 degrees. An angle larger than this causes in toeing during walking. The angle of the femoral neck in relation to the femoral shaft in excess of 135 degrees also contributes to bowlegs. Those with genu varum have a high probability of accompanying knee problems.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Tibial torsion pathology
- Femoral torsion pathology
Symptoms:
- Leg pain
- Knee pain
Signs to look for:
- Kneecaps that point outward vs. straight ahead
Possible Causes:
- Congenital
- Injury
Goals:
- Create foot balance
- Align hips, knees, ankles and feet
- Support arches
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotic exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotic exercising support
- Arch supports for children as soon as it is apparent the bow-legs are not straightening
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel shoes or shoes with titanium springs
- If regular flip-flop wearer, wear only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Wear heels and pumps minimally
- Walk barefoot minimally
Other:
- If shoes and arch supports do not provide enough foot support, internal or external lateral wedging can be a added
- Children are sometimes fit with bracing
Activities:
- Regular stretching of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Achilles tendon and arch structure
- Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercising, such as walking (weight bearing) with swimming or bicycling (non-weight bearing)
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: genou.com Text: D. Janisse, CPed, Editor, Introduction to Pedorthics, R. Cailliet, MD, Foot and Ankle Pain