Bow legs are common in babies. As they live in a cramped environment, their outer knees might bend outward. Babies outgrow the condition by 2 years, but if it lasts longer, splints, braces, and even surgery (in some cases) can help. The question is, can adults have bow legs?
Yes, bow legs can occur at any age, but it’s less common in adults. It’s best to see an orthopedic surgeon in Mulund, Mumbai to figure out the best treatment option for bow legs. In the meantime, let’s discuss the causes and treatment options.
Causes of Bow Legs in Adults
a) Untreated Bow Leg During Childhood:
Bow legs in children do not require treatment unless they persist for longer than 2-4 years. Sometimes, the condition lasts for years and can affect people in their 20s and 30s.
b) Underlying Medical Conditions:
Osteoarthritis and Vitamin D deficiency can cause bow legs in adults. As you age, the cartilage can wear down. This causes your bones to rub against each other as you use your knee joint. This can cause bow legs in adults.
c) Lifestyle Influences:
A poor diet that lacks Vitamin D and calcium is one of the leading factors in bone diseases in children and adults. A sedentary lifestyle and obesity can also increase the risk.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
A) Physical Therapy Exercises:
Stretching, lunges, squats, and yoga are a few muscle-strengthening exercises that can help correct bow legs. Stretching and yoga can help boost flexibility, which, in turn, reduces pain and discomfort.
B) Use of Braces:
Wearing braces minimizes pressure on your knee joint and straightens your knee, fixing bow legs in adults.
C) Nutritional Adjustments:
People with a normal BMI are more likely to develop bow legs than those with a high or low BMI. Likewise, those with nutritional deficiencies can develop weak bones, which makes existing bow legs more painful. To strengthen your bones, add more calcium and vitamin D-rich foods to your diet.
Surgical Treatment Options
i) Osteotomy Procedures:
It’s an invasive bow leg treatment in Mulund, Mumbai. The surgery involves cutting and realignment of the bones.
ii) Knee Replacement:
If bow legs lead to arthritis and extreme joint pain, knee replacement can alleviate the pain and improve mobility. It involves removing the affected joint and replacing it with an artificial implant.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery may take 3-6 weeks. You need crutches and walking aids to limit your joint movement. Get adequate rest and avoid putting excess weight on the surgical site. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercises should be avoided.
Preventative Measures
Here’s what can help prevent bow legs:
- Consult a dietician to create a diet plan rich in bone-strengthening nutrients
- Focus on weight bearing, strength training, and flexibility exercises
- Manage weight
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Get bone density tests regularly
- Manage underlying health issues that can cause bow legs, such as arthritis.
Although some causes of bow legs, especially genetic factors, are not preventable, certain lifestyle factors can help reduce your risk of developing bow legs. Talk to a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment.
