Bowlegs, also known as genu varum, is a condition where the knees dont come together when the feet are touching, causing the legs to appear bowed. While bowlegs are common in infants, who are often born bowlegged due to their folded position in the womb, in typical growth patterns, the child will outgrow this as they start to stand and walk (12 to 18 months old) . However, if a child still has bowlegs at age three or beyond, evaluation for potential deformities may be needed. In adults, bowlegs can be caused by several factors, including:
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Osteoarthritis: A common form of arthritis that also causes joint pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and bowed legs.
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Improperly healed fractures: Fractures that haven't healed correctly can cause bow legs.
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Bone dysplasia: Abnormally developed bones can cause bow legs.
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Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies can cause rickets, which makes the bones softer and weaker, leading to bowed legs.
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Lead poisoning: Lead poisoning can cause bowed legs.
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Trauma or infection: Trauma or infection can cause pathological bowing in children.
The most common symptom of a bowleg condition is that a person's knees do not touch while standing with their feet and ankles together, causing a bowing of the legs. People with bowlegs often complain of knee or ankle discomfort and worry about the development of future arthritis. In middle-aged people, bowlegs are associated with degeneration of the inside of the knee, which is often quite painful. If you have bowlegs, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
