Are you living with bowleg? Are your legs properly aligned? Are you experienced people looking at your walking? Are you feeling insecure because of the appearance of your legs? Do you know the health affects your leg structure has upon your health? Bowleg can be a serious health concern if neglected.
What is Bowleg?
Bowleg (Genu Varum) is a condition whereby a person’s legs appear bowed out (bent outward), meaning their knees stay wide apart even when their ankles are together. 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. This causes a bowing of the legs that, if it continues beyond three years of age, suggests there is a bowleg deformity.
What are the other complications of bowleg?
- Knee or hip pain
- Reduced range of motion in hips
- Difficulty in walking or running
- Knee instability
- Unhappy feelings of appearance
Progressive knee arthritis is common in adults who were not diagnosed or treated for bowleg earlier in life. Adult patients who have had bowleg for many years overload the inside (medial compartment) and stretch the outside (lateral collateral ligament).
Can Bowleg be corrected in adults? Yes, below are the 7 most effective corrective exercises:
- Piriformis stretch
- Standing Quadriceps stretch
- Glute Maximus stretch
- Glute Medius stretch
- Adductor toe touch
- Inner thigh leg lift
- Side lying internal rotation
Rest 1 – 2 minutes in between exercises and perform 3 sets of 30 secs
Prepared by
GAN YEE JIE
Your Physio Petaling Jaya