What are bowed knees, knock knees and bow –legged postures?
Bowed knees, knock knees (Varus knee) are knees that extend outward, making the legs appear as though they are curving towards each other. Knock knees, bow-legged or – legged conditions (Valgus knee) are knees that extend inward, making the legs appear as though they are converging outwards.
How do bowed knees, knock knees, and bow legged postures affect one?
- Changes in walking and physical appearance.
- Altered muscle work and knee joint alignment, leading to knee structure injuries.
- Abnormal knee join weight-bearing, causing injuries to the meniscus of cartilage.
- If left untreated, severe conditions can cause pain and restricted movement, making daily activities challenging.
Causes of bowed knees, knock knees, and bow-legged posturesetabolic diseases including mineral deficiency in children for example Vitamin D deficiency and Calcium deficiency.
- Knee joint degeneration. Aging causes cartilage in the knee to deteriorate due to prolonged use mostly in adults.
- Injury from accidents in the knee area or bones in the lower extremities, leading to changes in knee structure for example fractures at the knee joint.
- Overweight Excessive weight increases the load on the knees, causing faster degeneration.
Treatment
At Pearl Orthopaedic Services, we treat or correct bow legs and knock knees using different approaches depending on the age of the patient affected.
In children we use bowlegs and knock knees braces which are worn during the night and in severe stages, we use surgery. In adults, we use surgery to correct the deformity.
With the above treatment, physiotherapy and exercises are involved to achieve the correction.