Bow Legs In Children, How Are They Corrected?

When the little ones take their first steps, they can develop some orthopedic alterations; These should not cause major concerns in the parents, since most of them are corrected naturally.

Bowed legs in children, or genu varus, is a pathology characterized by a slight outward inclination of the tibia. This creates a separation of the knees and creates an arch. Is it possible to correct it?

This posture is noticeable when young children learning to walk spread their knees and project them outward. The good news about this problem is that it can be corrected.

It is a physiological abnormality coupled with the elasticity of the muscular system. Most of the time, it evolves positively as the child gains body mass and hardens the bones.

What to do in the face of bowed legs in children?

The first step is to wait and observe its evolution. In a large number of cases, bowlegs correct themselves.

The growth of the child should be recorded frequently and be attentive to his bodily development; this will detect if the bow decreases.

If it happens that the child is already walking and the arch of the legs continues, it is best to see an orthopedic specialist. By taking the child for regular check-ups with his doctor, he will be able to indicate the most appropriate treatment.

Another important consideration is to evaluate and monitor vitamin D levels, as low levels can lead to rickets. This is a disease that is one of the causes of bow legs in children. Increasing the levels of this vitamin in case they are low helps prevent these ailments.

Treatment for bow legs in children

One of the medical treatments to consider is the use of orthopedic knee braces. These are indicated in infants who have bowed legs for longer than normal. Treatment with knee braces consists of putting them on until the child’s bones have hardened.

Orthopedic shoes are another option if the child is over 4 years old and the problem is still present. This footwear should be used under the strict supervision of your doctor.

Finally, it is worth clarifying that these treatments are used only if the problem is very serious or if the child has another disease apart.

Can bow legs be prevented in children?

There is no precise formula to prevent this anomaly, other than avoiding rickets. However, practicing good habits can help prevent bowing of the legs; among them:

• Expose your baby to sunlight in the early morning so that he or she receives an appropriate amount of vitamin D.

• Avoid childhood obesity.
• Promote short walks. When walking, the thickness of the thighs prevents the knees from meeting and causes the genu varus .

How to correct bow legs?

Here are some everyday practices that can be applied to improve this condition:

1. Posture when walking

The first thing to do is help the little one to walk properly. Parents should ensure that the child keeps his back straight when walking, sitting and even sleeping.

When the baby falls asleep, a thin pillow can be placed on his neck and his knees raised to rest and stretch his spine.

2. Exercises

There are beneficial exercises for bow legs in children. For example, one is to lay him on his back and bend his knees, pressing his stomach; This should be done slowly and patiently. Another ideal physical practice is to use a strap to tie the legs together and then stretch them out.

It is also useful to cross the legs, put one arm behind the neck and grab it with the other hand. This strengthens your back and aligns your posture when sitting and walking. It is advisable to sing or tell a funny story while doing the exercise to prevent the child from getting bored.

Practicing Pilates is also an excellent option. This helps improve posture and strengthen the muscles of the knees and thighs.

Similarly, yoga for children is an ideal technique to improve limb alignment and flexibility. For some little ones, the poses may seem difficult, but this improves with time and practice.

3. Good nutrition

The diet must be balanced and natural. It is important to provide foods loaded with calcium and vitamins C and D.

4. Massages

Performing massage can also contribute to the improvement of bow legs in children. These can be very relaxing for the little one and, in addition, they are a trigger to strengthen the areas of the back and legs.

Ultimately, it is possible to take actions to treat bowlegs in children. It is necessary for parents to arm themselves with a lot of patience and perseverance to help the little one. The anxiety to achieve results in a short time does not contribute at all to the process.